The Dallas Cowboys face a challenging setback as wide receiver Brandin Cooks will miss the upcoming Sunday game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and potentially more games, due to a knee infection following recent surgery.
After last week’s victory over the Giants in New York, Cooks underwent a surgical procedure which was initially successful. However, upon returning to Dallas, symptoms emerged, leading to a subsequent operation performed by team doctors to clean out the infection.
Coach Mike McCarthy has confirmed Cooks’ absence from Sunday’s game, highlighting a growing concern for the team’s offensive lineup. Cooks, 31, has been managing a knee issue since the training camp, though it hadn’t previously hindered his participation in practices or games. Notably, this isn’t the first time Cooks has undergone such a procedure; he had a similar surgery during the summer which did not result in any complications.
Despite the setbacks this season, Cooks managed nine receptions totaling 91 yards and scored a touchdown across the first four games, demonstrating significant contributions during the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Since his transfer from the Houston Texans in 2023, where he was known for his six 1,000-yard seasons with four different teams, Cooks has struggled to find his rhythm with the Cowboys.
His leadership and mentorship have been invaluable, particularly during the training camp, where he showcased his renowned speed and playmaking ability. With Cooks sidelined, the Cowboys will have to rely heavily on CeeDee Lamb, who has emerged as a leading receiver this season with 20 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns.
Behind Lamb, the team’s receiving corps is relatively inexperienced, featuring players like Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and Ryan Flournoy, who is yet to be activated this season. This situation places Dallas in a precarious position as they consider their options to bolster their receiving lineup.
The last in-season trade for a receiver was in 2018 when they acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders. With $22.25 million in salary cap space, the Cowboys are contemplating financial strategies, likely aiming to save most of that cap for future needs, including managing dead money on expiring contracts for key players like Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Cooks himself. The coming weeks will be critical for the Cowboys as they navigate these complex roster challenges amid the ongoing season.
