Dallas, we have an ankle problem

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 season knowing their defense would need time to adapt under new DC Matt Eberflus, and the loss of Micah Parsons via trade.

Through three weeks, however, the unit has been porous, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed.

That has put the burden squarely on QB Dak Prescott and the offense to keep the team afloat while the defense finds its rhythm. Unfortunately, that task just became significantly tougher.

The Cowboys will be without three key starters for multiple weeks after WR CeeDee Lamb, C Cooper Beebe, and RG Tyler Booker all suffered high ankle sprains within the span of the last two games.

Losing a top weapon and two-thirds of the interior offensive line could derail the offense’s consistency at the very moment it’s needed most.

One Fewer Explosive Player

There’s no sugarcoating it; Lamb is the engine of the Cowboys’ passing attack. Ranking fourth in the NFL in receiving yards before his injury, Lamb was Prescott’s most trusted option in high-leverage situations.

His ability to line up anywhere on the field created mismatches that opened opportunities for secondary targets like WR George Pickens and TE Jake Ferguson.

Without Lamb, defenses can roll coverage more aggressively toward Pickens and dare Prescott to beat them with inconsistent depth options such as wide receivers Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin.

The lack of a true #1 receiver also shrinks Dallas’ margin for error.

Lamb’s absence will force Prescott to spread the ball around and rely more on Ferguson, backfield checkdowns, and schemed plays to manufacture production.

In close games, not having that go-to receiver could be the difference between wins and losses.

Anchor Down

When Dallas drafted Cooper Beebe, the expectation was that he would solidify the center position for years to come. Last year and through the first few weeks this season, he has shown both strength in the run game and poise in handling protections up front.

Losing him now creates instability at a position that is often overlooked but vital to keeping the offense efficient.

Backup Brock Hoffman will likely step in, but the drop-off is steep. Beebe’s chemistry with Prescott on line calls had already begun to show.

His ability to redirect protections against stunts and blitzes helped mask some of Eberflus’ defense’s shortcomings by keeping Prescott upright and the chains moving.

Without him, Dallas risks more miscommunications up front, which could lead to increased pressure and turnovers.

Pulling the Guard

On top of losing Beebe, the Cowboys will also be without starting rookie RG Tyler Booker, who had quickly emerged as a tone-setter in the ground game.

Booker’s combination of power and mobility allowed Dallas to get push in short-yardage situations while also pulling effectively on outside runs.

His absence will be felt most in the run game, RB Javonte Williams has relied heavily on clean lanes inside to set up play-action opportunities.

With both Beebe and Booker sidelined, the Cowboys’ interior blocking is compromised.

Defenses will likely test their replacements with heavy interior blitzes and crowd the line of scrimmage, daring Dallas to throw outside without Lamb.

That combination could make sustaining drives a struggle.

Huddle Up

The Cowboys are in a precarious spot. With the defense still learning Eberflus’ system, the offense was expected to shoulder the load.

Losing CeeDee Lamb, Cooper Beebe, and Tyler Booker at the same time for multiple weeks strips Dallas of its top receiver and the foundation of its offensive line.

If Prescott and HC Brian Schottenheimer can navigate this stretch without falling too far behind in the NFC race, it will be one of the most impressive starts for the new head coach.

Otherwise, the season could quickly spiral before the defense ever has a chance to stabilize.