The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys. The short week visit to the Big Apple was not kind to the boys from the Lone Star State, as injuries have robbed Dallas of several starters for the foreseeable future. Already down their bookend edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence for the Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offense is now involved as well.
Starting wideout Brandin Cooks will be out this week, and potentially longer, as he’s dealing with an infection. The infection was acquired after he stayed behind in New York after the win over the NFL Football Giants to receive medical treatment for his right knee, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
The Cowboys will be without WR Brandin Cooks for at least this week vs. Pittsburgh and potentially longer after an infection developed in his right knee following a procedure he had after remaining in NY following the win against the Giants, according to multiple sources.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 2, 2024
Cooks has struggled to make an impact so far in 2024. He’s been targeted 19 times through four games and only hauled in nine of those for receptions, for just 91 yards. Signed in the 2023 offseason, Cooks scored eight touchdowns in the first year of a two-year agreement, but hasn’t achieved the type of success he’s had at previous stops through his career.
The 31-year old has six career 1,000-yard seasons in his now 11-year resume.
Dallas is perilously thin in established players behind Cooks. Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert has out-paced him statwise, but has yet to establish himself as a primary target for quarterback Dak Prescott. Kavontae Tuprin, another third-year receiver has a play style most similar to that of Cooks as a vertical threat, and may absorb Cooks snaps. Also in the mix will be second-year man Jalen Brooks and rookie Ryan Flournoy who has yet to play thus far this season.
The Cowboys are also looking outside the organization to help boost the offense, reportedly bouncing around the idea of trading for Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams.