CeeDee Lamb began the 2025 season with 222 yards and recorded 16 receptions in just 3 games. Unfortunately, during week 3’s fixture against the Chicago Bears, a high ankle injury sidelined Lamb in the first quarter. The injury cost the wide receiver zero receptions and 6 snaps, resulting in a 31-14 defeat for the Dallas Cowboys. The franchise initially decided not to place Lamb on IR to avoid the evaluation process, which would’ve benched him for 4 games. 

Lamb, however, missed the match against the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets in weeks 4 and 5. And with the week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers this weekend, ESPN marks him as questionable. According to insights from Jon Machota of The Athletic, prospects of CeeDee Lamb returning to the field are looking good.

“He was moving around pretty well last week. If he doesn’t go this Sunday, I think there’s a good chance he’ll be back the following week against Washington,” Machota posted on X.  

The match-up against the Panthers is crucial, as they hold the record of 5-11 all-time against the Cowboys. Though Lamb has been seen practicing on a limited basis and is now listed as a possibility for Sunday’s game, his status remains uncertain.  

Replacing the star wide receiver, George Pickens, posted 134 yards, 8 receptions, and two touchdowns against the Packers. At 204.4 yards per game this season, Carolina’s pass defense ranks in the top 10, but it is also giving up the 12th-highest net yards per pass attempt clip in the NFL, which is 6.5 yards.

A strong performance against the Panthers will be a significant contribution from Pickens. It could also prove to be an important period of rest for CeeDee Lamb before the league’s one of the most intense rivalries against the Washington Commanders in week 7.

Cowboys’ Week 6 Clash with Panthers

Defensively, the Cowboys are bolstering their edge rush with the veteran Jadeveon Clowney, whose signing earlier this season adds depth and experience to the front. 

Coach Brian Schottenheimer said, “It’s still early. I think we’ll find out more in the next couple of days. I think we’re trending in the right direction on a few guys. I’m seeing progress on all the guys. Whether they’re able to make it to this weekend? We’ll see, but I do think we’re closing in on some good markers for these guys in the next couple of weeks.”

George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy will fill the void in the offense, pairing with tight end Jake Ferguson and quarterback Dak Prescott for depth contributions against the Carolina Panthers. Ryan Flournoy had six catches and 114 yards in Week 5. 

On the injury front, Phil Mafah remains on injured reserve, unavailable for this matchup. Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Guyton are flagged as questionable. Meanwhile, linemen such as Tyler Booker and Tyler Smith are also being monitored, with the coaching staff hinting at potential activation if they pass final protocols. Jonathan Mingo has been designated for return, delaying his full activation. 

Getting Lamb or Turpin back would be a big boost, but the coaching staff may opt to wait until they’re truly ready.