Mike McCarthy elaborates on status of Cowboys stars CeeDee Lamb, Tyron Smith
The Dallas Cowboys could be getting some key contributors back on offense for Thursday’s Thanksgiving matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is in the concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Left tackle Tyron Smith has also continued to work his way back from an ankle injury. Both Lamb and Smith could be nearing returns for the Cowboys.
“CeeDee Lamb is ‘making progress’ in concussion protocol, attending meetings and might be able to do some light field work today, (Cowboys head coach) Mike McCarthy said,” per Cowboys writer Rob Phillips. “Tyron Smith (ankle) will participate in Tuesday’s light, ‘run-through’ style practice.”
Smith has been dealing with his injury for some time now, as he has missed multiple games for the Cowboys in recent weeks. The Cowboys looked different on the offensive line against the Chiefs, as a change was made to the starting lineup. Terence Steele started his third straight game at left tackle, while Connor McGovern took over as the team’s starting left guard.
The offensive performance against an exploitable Chiefs defense was disappointing for the Cowboys on Sunday. Dallas did not score a touchdown, losing 19-9. Getting Smith back would be huge for the Cowboys.
Getting Lamb back would be huge for a depleted Cowboys receiver room
Lamb must obviously completely pass through concussion protocols in order to suit up for the Cowboys on Thursday. In addition to Lamb and Smith, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is also banged up. Receiver Amari Cooper will also miss the game on Thanksgiving due to COVID-19 protocols.
Cooper is unvaccinated, meaning that in addition to missing the Chiefs game, he will miss Thursday’s game and could be in jeopardy for next Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints as well. Receivers Robert Foster and TJ Vasher are also out on Thanksgiving, meaning the receiving corps is extremely depleted right now.
With Smith and Lamb making progress on a return for the Cowboys, things could look different against the Raiders on Thanksgiving. Lamb leads the Cowboys this season with 50 receptions, 740 yards and six touchdowns, and Smith is an anchor on the offensive front.
Sunday’s loss against the Chiefs was the second loss in three weeks for the Cowboys. Dallas now sits at 7-3 on the season, currently leading the NFC East. The next two games against the Raiders and Saints will be important, but Dallas faces a heavy divisional schedule over the final few weeks of the regular season. In the final five games, the Cowboys face off against Washington twice, and Philadelphia and New York once.