The Dallas Cowboys' running game has really come on in recent weeks, but CeeDee Lamb remains the heart and soul of the offense. Both the Cowboys and fantasy football managers need Lamb on the field when Dallas takes on the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.
It is Dallas' final primetime game of the year, and while they didn't get much help from Sunday's games in terms of the NFC playoff picture, they need to win their remaining five games to even have a sniff of the playoffs. Lamb playing vs. the Bengals will make that daunting task a little easier.
Lamb has battled an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder for over a month. The All-Pro has played through the injury and has taken some plays off in games, including last week against the New York Giants when he sat out for most of the fourth quarter after re-aggravating it.
Lamb was limited in practice this week, but that has been the status quo. He was removed from the injury report by Saturday, which means he is good to go for MNF.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb will play in Week 14 vs. the Bengals
Lamb didn't practice as recently as Thursday, but again the Cowboys are likely just being smart with their $34 million per year receiver.
While Lamb is at risk of re-aggravating the injury by playing through it - as we've seen - it is all about pain management. He is not risking a more serious injury by playing. There is minimal long-term concern with AC joint sprains.
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Even in a down year for Lamb's standards, he enters Monday night tied with Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, ironically enough, for the fourth-most catches in the NFL with 79. He is also fifth with 880 receiving yards and could climb to third by the end of the first quarter.
Lamb has only caught four touchdowns this season - a far cry from his 12 last year. The 25-year-old actually hasn't found the end zone since he scored twice in Week 8 vs. the 49ers. He should have scored in Week 10 against the Eagles, but the sun glare at AT&T Stadium hindered his vision.
Fortunately, kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 pm CT. The sun won't be a problem Monday night and the Bengals' pass defense has been Swiss cheese all season. Even at less than 100%, Lamb is in store to blow up in primetime.