The Dallas Cowboys‘ injury report is sure to be the center of much attention heading into Week 13 after several absences and injuries dominated the headlines leading into their Thanksgiving game. What is the latest from the Cowboys’ injury report, including updates on Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper?
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report | Ezekiel Elliott a full participant despite bone bruise concerns
The reports from the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game suggested RB Ezekiel Elliott was struggling with a bone bruise. It implied Elliott could have limitations going forward. However, Elliott was a full participant on Monday of Week 13. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys give Elliott any days off this week.
The fact Elliott was not even listed as a limited participant on the injury report to open Week 13 was an improvement from last week when he was limited on Monday. Could we see Elliott retain his role as the team’s lead back despite Tony Pollard’s recent impressive performances?
CeeDee Lamb set to return for Cowboys in Week 13
On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that WR CeeDee Lamb is set to return from his concussion ahead of the Cowboys’ Week 13 game. This is hardly a surprise given that Lamb was considered close to playing in Week 12, only to be ruled out by the independent neurologist Thursday morning.
Lamb spoke to the media after practice on Monday this week. The Dallas WR revealed that he would play in Week 13 after clearing the concussion protocol following the game against the Raiders. Lamb is listed on the injury report, but he has been a full participant both days.
Amari Cooper’s status for Thursday remains up in the air
The Cowboys were also without WR Amari Cooper in both of their last two games. Cooper tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Week 11. However, as he was unvaccinated, Cooper was ruled out for Week 12 due to the mandatory 10-day quarantine period.
On Monday, QB Dak Prescott confirmed that Cooper was back in the building but not present on the practice field. Cooper was there to take a conditioning test ahead of the Cowboys’ medical staff clearing him for return.
On Tuesday, Jerry Jones said that Cooper will step up his work today. However, Cooper is still dealing with a cough and it is to be determined if he will practice Tuesday. If Cooper does not practice by Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn’t “see him going to the game.”
Cooper remains in the COVID-19 protocol according to Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. Cooper did not participate in the walkthrough and has not been activated back to the 53-man roster. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that Cooper is expected to travel with the team and play on Thursday. Cooper was later activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He was listed as questionable on the Cowboys’ final injury report.
According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Amari Cooper mostly watched during 7-on-7 warmups and didn’t take a single rep in 11-on-11 drills before the game.
Which other Cowboys are on the injury report in Week 13?
The Cowboys’ Week 13 injury report is somewhat light. The biggest concern is for WR Cedrick Wilson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Wilson was unable to participate in practice Monday and through Wednesday and is listed as out. The good news offensively is that OT Tyron Smith is not present on the injury report.
On defense, DE Tarell Basham is the only name on the Cowboys’ injury report. The pass rusher was a limited participant with a chest injury Monday, before being updated to a full participant on Tuesday. DeMarcus Lawrence is not on the injury report as he is on IR. Expectations are he will be active for Week 13 against the Saints.