The Dallas Cowboys will be without quarterback Dak Prescott when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at AT&T Stadium. While Cooper Rush has fared well as a starter in the past, he would be in an impossible situation if he doesn't have superstar receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb went down with a shoulder injury in last Sunday's loss to the Falcons after landing awkwardly on a reception.
Lamb was in noticeable pain but played through the injury for most of the game. He made a handful of receptions after Rush took over, including a two-point conversion that brought Dallas within six points with 1:27 left in the fourth quarter.
READ MORE: Jerry Jones makes notable Trey Lance comment before first game without Dak Prescott
It has since been reported that Lamb suffered a sprained AC joint. While painful, the injury won't be enough to keep Lamb off the field against the Eagles.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb will play vs. Eagles despite shoulder injury
Cowboys fans held their collective breath after Lamb went down. The All-Pro receiver was unable to brace his fall after coming down with a tough catch. He aggravated the injury in the fourth quarter after he made a diving effort to catch a deep ball.
Lamb stayed down for a moment and missed several plays before checking back in, but it was obvious to everyone watching, including the FOX broadcast, that the Cowboys should have removed Lamb from the game. It made little sense to keep him in what was a two-score game without knowing details of the injury.
CeeDee Lamb was slow to get up after this play. pic.twitter.com/wWIutqK5WJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 3, 2024
Fortunately, Lamb's injury is all about pain management. The injury cannot worsen by subjecting it to more hits. The 25-year-old's toughness was a bright spot in an otherwise demoralizing loss and he was asked this week about playing hurt.
"I'm not just out there for me," said Lamb. "t's a lot of people I'm taking care of. And it's a lot of people that I want to go out there and inspire…I know somebody out there paid their last dollar to come watch me play. I'm going to be out there for them."
That is the mindset and mentality you want from your No. 1 receiver.
Lamb has been criticized this season for his poor body language amid adversity, but no one can question his toughness and leadership now. That he is willing to play through injury will hopefully galvanize the locker room.
Beating the Eagles without Prescott is a tall order, but Dallas will have a puncher's chance with Lamb out there.