The Cowboys’ damage luck continues to worsen. Veteran broad receiver Brandin Cooks will probably be sidelined for Week 5 and probably longer after an an infection developed in his proper knee, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
Cooks injured his knee against the Giants on Thursday and remained in New York for a medical procedure that resulted in the infection. The infection threatens his status for the Cowboys’ upcoming slate of games. Mike McCarthy confirmed Cooks’ absence for Week 5 on Wednesday, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
Dallas is already contending with injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence on the defensive facet of the ball, with Cooks’ an infection now scaling down their receiving corps behind CeeDee Lamb.
Cooks handled knee soreness throughout coaching camp, although it’s unclear if his present damage and an infection are associated. The veteran broad receiver has struggled to start the season, catching simply 9 of his 19 targets for 91 yards and one landing. His 0.67 yards per route run is tied for fifth-lowest amongst receivers with no less than 10 targets in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Dallas has just about no confirmed depth behind their prime three of Lamb, Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert.with KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks combining for simply eight receptions this season. Rookie Ryan Flournoy was a wholesome scratch in Weeks 1-4, although that’s prone to change with Cooks sidelined.
Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer might want to make changes to his passing sport in Cooks’ absence. Dallas has used three-receiver units on greater than 75% of their offensive performs this season, per SumerSports. Schottenheimer may rely extra on tight ends, comparable to Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, transferring ahead, which may help a dashing assault that averages simply 3.5 yards per carry this season, the second-lowest within the NFL.
The Cowboys may look to an exterior WR addition if Cooks’ an infection leads to a long-term absence. Nonetheless, preliminary stories point out they are not expected to pursue Davante Adams as his commerce market heats up.
