Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb is showing promising progress in his recovery from a high-ankle sprain, raising hopes for a potential return as early as Week 7. The veteran receiver, who has missed three games since sustaining the injury in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears, has been practicing in a limited capacity and has logged impressive first-step work on the field.
“Thumbs up on all. It’s looking good,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said when asked about Lamb and other injured players. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Lamb “has a chance” to play in Week 7.
Lamb, a first-round pick in 2020, has already established himself as one of the league’s most explosive receivers, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods. His absence has placed more responsibility on teammates like George Pickens and Jake Ferguson, while Ryan Flournoy emerged as a fantasy-relevant target with 15 targets, nine receptions, and 144 yards over the last two games.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Fantasy Football Implications
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Lamb’s potential return carries major implications for fantasy football managers.
“Reporting over the weekend labeled this week as a potential return for Lamb, and that makes sense for a receiver who missed Weeks 4-6 and wasn’t placed on IR,” said Kyle Soppe, fantasy analyst. “His volume will limit the quantity that his teammates see, but the attention he draws should increase the quality. There should be zero hesitation in going right back to your first-overall pick this week, assuming he checks the required health boxes.”
Lamb’s elite target volume—13 in Week 1 and 11 in Week 2—means he is likely to reclaim the spotlight upon his return, while Pickens, Ferguson, and Flournoy adjust to a reduced share.
Cowboys Seek Offensive Spark
The Cowboys (2-3-1) have thrived offensively despite Lamb’s absence, with Dak Prescott performing at a top-three level. Still, Dallas has struggled defensively, giving up significant points in losses to Carolina and Chicago. Lamb’s return could provide the boost the offense needs, particularly as the Cowboys prepare for a Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders, who themselves are coming off a close loss.
“While using his recent double-digit reception game as an expectation is probably optimistic, this team isn’t motivated to rush him back and not use him,” noted Dan Fornek, PFSN analyst.
If all goes according to plan, Lamb’s Week 7 return could reinvigorate both the Cowboys’ passing attack and fantasy lineups, restoring the star receiver to the role of centerpiece in Dallas’ aerial offense.