The Dallas Cowboys “got to win out” as they approach a critical Week 15 game, but they received some unfortunate news as they prepare for the matchup.
The Cowboys are gearing up for a key game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, December 15. Given the team’s ongoing battle with injuries, it is crucial for them to stay healthy. With star quarterback Dak Prescott lost for the season, maintaining the health of the remaining key players is essential to improving the team’s 5-8 record.
On Thursday, the Cowboys released their injury report, which revealed that two important players were still limited in practice.
Injury Report Updates: The Cowboys’ injury report from Thursday, December 12, showed cornerback Trevon Diggs and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb both limited in practice. Both players managed to play through their injuries in the Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, so it’s possible they will do the same on Sunday. However, having them fully healthy would be ideal. Additionally, linebacker Buddy Johnson missed practice due to an illness.
The rest of the injury report remained largely unchanged. Center Cooper Beebe, linebacker Eric Kendricks, safety Juanyeh Thomas, and linebacker Nick Vigil again did not participate in practice. Cornerbacks C.J. Goodwin and Jourdan Lewis were both limited. On a positive note, several players were full participants in practice for a second straight session, including left tackle Tyler Guyton, cornerback DaRon Bland, running back Rico Dowdle, tight end Marshawn Kneeland, and left guard Tyler Smith.
Though the report is a mix of good and bad, having Diggs and Lamb at full strength is particularly important if the Cowboys are to secure additional wins this season.
“We Got to Win Out” In the game against the Bengals, Lamb showed he could still put up impressive numbers while playing through injury. He recorded 93 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Quarterback Cooper Rush, filling in for Prescott, finished the game 16-of-31 for 183 yards, two touchdowns (one to Lamb, one to Brandin Cooks), and one interception. Running back Rico Dowdle also had a standout performance, setting a career-high with 131 rushing yards.
On Thursday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy commended Lamb for his resilience in playing through pain.
“CeeDee is an impact player. He’s one of the best players in the game,” McCarthy said, according to NFL analyst Garrett Podell. “Just where he lines up creates opportunities for others. CeeDee’s a very diligent guy as far as how he prepares for games. He’s a good example that way for our guys. He’s a huge part of our football team.”
Lamb also spoke to the press on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency of the team’s situation. “We got to win out. So, in order for anything else to happen, all the help that we need, we still have to do our part… We just need to focus on one game at a time. We don’t need to worry about anything else at this point.”
He added, “We need everybody to hone in on their job and handle their responsibilities and then everything else, just fall into place.”
