Injuries had been a defining narrative for the Dallas Cowboys even before the 2025 season kicked off. Then came the upsets in September. But even amidst the rising toll of injuries, there is some cause for optimism. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb and offensive tackle Tyler Guyton might soon be making a return to the field.

As Joseph Hoyt noted on his X handle, “Worth noting: second-straight week the #Cowboys elected to NOT place RG Tyler Booker and WR CeeDee Lamb on injured reserve. A good sign for their potential to play within the next two weeks.” With their rehab progressing smoothly, the Cowboys not placing them on the IR means they don’t have to miss four games. So could they return before October itself?

Tyler Guyton landed on the concussion protocol after their 40-40 tie against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. As of now he is yet to clear the protocol and will be out for their Week 5 matchup with the New York Jets. CeeDee Lamb has been rehabbing well from the high ankle sprain he suffered against the Chicago Bears on September 21. Since then, Lamb has been back on the practice field and is slowly getting back up to speed. But what about the other injuries?

Beyond the optimism around Guyton and Lamb, Dallas’ injury woes continue to add up. RG Tyler Booker is reeling from an ankle injury, and safety Malik Hooker has also been placed on the IR recently with a foot injury.

What’s more, wideout KaVontae Turpin’s dealing with a foot injury, and fellow pass catcher Jonathan Mingo is also nursing a knee injury. The greatest pressure in Week 5 falls on George Pickens who’s stepped into the role of WR1 in Lamb’s absence.

But beyond Week 5, the prospects of Lamb boosting the offensive firepower is rising rapidly.

Return timeline for CeeDee Lamb?

As head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted about CeeDee Lamb’s progress (as well as Tyler Booker’s), “They’re both moving around good. I think the window is getting smaller.” Schottenheimer has been visibly excited about CeeDee Lamb joining the practice, but when could we see No. 88 suiting up again?

Deepak Chona of SMA noted that Lamb could return in Week 6 or 7, with a Week 7 return being the most likely. Still, Lamb carries a “20% re-injury risk,” so even once he returns, George Pickens may be shouldering most of the targets while Lamb eases back into the groove.

Tyler Guyton, on the other hand, could take some time to clear the concussion protocol. But since he’s not in the IR, there’s a similar wave of optimism around his return. In Week 4, Guyton was majorly responsible for keeping the Packers’ star pass rushing Micah Parsons in check. That kind of firepower will be sorely missed by Dallas as they face off against the Jets.

The Jets have had an uphill climb in September, going 0-4. Dallas, meanwhile, is going 1-2-1. With both teams balancing injuries. How will their Week 5 showdown turn out? Only a little more while till we find out.