Nothing seems to be going right for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Jerry Jones’ team is 3-6 entering their Monday night matchup against the Houston Texans, while quarterback Dak Prescott will miss the rest of the year after undergoing hamstring surgery.
You can now add wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s health to the Cowboys’ list of potential concerns after the All-Pro popped up on Dallas’ injury report over the weekend. What’s the latest on Lamb’s status ahead of tonight’s Battle of Texas?
What Is CeeDee Lamb’s Injury?
Lamb is dealing with a back injury entering Week 11.
He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday and didn’t appear on the Cowboys’ injury report until Saturday, when he was listed as limited. Head coach Mike McCarthy indicated Lamb tweaked his back during 7-on-7 drills during practice.
Lamb has been banged up throughout the year. He missed a practice in September after suffering an ankle injury, then sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder in Week 9. Still, Lamb has yet to miss any game action.
Will Lamb Play in Week 11?
Lamb is officially listed as questionable for Monday night’s game.
However, McCarthy said Saturday that he was “not of high concern” regarding Lamb’s Week 11 availability. Moreover, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated on Sunday afternoon that Lamb is expected to play against the Texans.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo: #Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (back spasm) will play MNF, barring setback; #Bills WR Amari Cooper (wrist) is confident he’ll play today; A look at the #Bears new offense with OC Thomas Brown and what to expect. pic.twitter.com/NUQzXXZWqw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2024
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network suggested that Lamb’s injury over the weekend was “something resembling a back spasm.” Fortunately, Lamb has been receiving treatment at the Cowboys’ facility.
Barring a setback, he’ll suit up for Monday Night Football.
Fantasy Implications of Lamb’s Week 11 Status
Lamb’s value in fantasy football has taken a steep decline with Prescott out for the season. Cooper Rush relieved Prescott in Week 10, started in Week 11, and will be under center again on Monday night.
Rush targeted Lamb 10 times against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11. The Cowboys’ WR1 hauled in six receptions but managed just 21 yards and didn’t find the end zone.
Lamb was still decently productive with Rush playing quarterback after Prescott suffered a thumb injury at the Cowboys’ 2022 season opener. He averaged six catches for 76 yards and scored twice in Rush’s five starts. Lamb finished as a top-30 fantasy WR in four of five Rush starts and posted two top-10 finishes.
The 2022 Dallas roster was better equipped to handle a backup quarterback. Two years ago, the Cowboys’ offensive line had fewer holes, while the club had improved weapons around Lamb.
This week, Lamb and the Cowboys will face a Houston pass defense that has been getting shredded by opposing fantasy wideouts. The Texans have allowed at least one WR to score 15+ fantasy points in each of the last four weeks.
In Week 9, the New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams combined for 16 catches, 199 yards, and three touchdowns. Last Sunday, Amon-Ra St. Brown went 6-60-1 and finished as the WR10.
You’re hoping Lamb can continue that trend, even if Rush will inevitably drag down his upside. Either way, fantasy managers can’t sit Lamb, regardless of who’s throwing him the ball.