Coming into Week 7, the Cowboys would probably like to see a raft or reinforcements arriving to bolster the defense, which has struggled all season and allowed 410 yards and 30 points of offense to Carolina in a loss on Sunday. Alas, while there are reinforcements on hand, they’re playmakers, not play-stoppers.
Appearing at practice on Wednesday were guard Tyler Booker, the team’s first-round draft pick from April, who has been out with a high ankle sprain. Also back on the practice pitch was receiver/return man/gadget player KaVontae Turpin, who had missed two weeks with a foot injury.
But the player the Cowboys have been most eager to see back in uniform was star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has also been out–since September 21 against the Bears in Chicago–with a high ankle sprain. Lamb was looking like a full go in practice as the team prepares for the Commanders on Sunday in Week 7.
CeeDee Lamb ‘Knows How to Play Football’
Now, getting back on the field on a Wednesday is no guarantee that a player will be active and playing on Sunday. But, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said, Lamb might be an exception to that rule. Seeing Lamb on Wednesday means its nearly certain he’ll be there on Sunday.
“If he’s breathing I feel pretty good. Honestly. CeeDee knows how to play football. If he runs around and catches a pass or two, I’m good,” Schottenheimer said.
While the defense remains the concern, the offense’s ability to simply outscore opponents–which worked against the Giants and Jets for the team’s two wins, and nearly did again in the 40-40 tie against the Packers–will get a boost with Lamb and Turpin back.
Cowboys Offense Getting Another Boost
Lamb had 16 catches for 222 yards before he was injured during the Week 3 loss. The team’s big offseason addition, receiver George Pickens, was very good before Lamb got hurt and has been stellar in his absence–he has scored touchdowns in five straight weeks and has 19 catches for 359 yards in three games without Lamb.
Turpin, a Pro Bowl return man, has had his best year in the offense. While he has averaged 10.0 yards per punt return and has 405 yards in the kick return game, Turpin also has generated 182 yards of offense in four games. In 17 touches, he has gained 11 first downs.
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)KaVontae Turpin #9 of the Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb-George Pickens Combo Reunited
Pickens, for one, is excited to have the duo back, especially going against Washington and former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, now the Commanders’ head coach. Washington’s pass defense has struggled, and the team has allowed 1,468 yards in the air, only 23rd in the NFL.
“I’m super excited,” Pickens said. “I don’t even think the words can fully explain him, and possibly Turpin, too, so super excited. We’re way more dangerous and way more explosive, too, when you got other guys like CeeDee and Turp — it’s another component of explosiveness that you can’t really describe … and don’t forget about Jake (Ferguson).”
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