The short week between Dallas' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and tomorrow's Thanksgiving game against the Las Vegas Raiders has put health and injury issues at the forefront of conversation. Based on news coming out of today's practice, we have good and bad news for you regarding a few different Cowboys and their playing statuses.
Let's start with the bad news, and especially since it's the only info that's official at this point. Safety Donovan Wilson has been moved to injured reserve for chest and shoulder issues and will miss at least three games.
Wilson, who many were excited to see this season after some breakout moments in 2020, has only appeared in six of Dallas' 10 games so far. He's been battling health issues since the preseason and lost ground to veteran Jayron Kearse in the safety rotation.
Cowboys have placed S Donovan Wilson (chest/shoulder) on injured reserve, they announced. He will miss at least the next three games.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 24, 2021
Thankfully, Kearse has helped mitigate Wilson's struggles this year. But one guy that we haven't found an adequate substitute for on defense in Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence. After missing every game since the season opener, Tank could be on his way back very soon.
Lawrence returned to practice today and has three weeks to be fully activated before he would revert back to IR permanently. While he's already been ruled out for tomorrow, the general vibe coming out of Dallas is that DeMarcus could play next Thursday in New Orleans.
The Cowboys have started the 21-day practice for DE DeMarcus Lawrence. He has not played since breaking his foot in the second week of the season. He will not play Thursday but possible next week vs. New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/UW9yCrmyCf
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 24, 2021
Dallas' shorthanded defensive line could sure use Lawrence back. Not only does it add one of the NFL's elite run defenders back into the mix, but it would free up Micah Parsons to play more linebacker and help in another area of weakness.
While we have to wait at least a weak for Tank's return, it's looking like we may not need to be as patient with Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb. After missing the second half of last week's game with a concussion, Lamb is doing well this week and is looking good to get the medical clearance to play on Thanksgiving.
Three days after concussion, Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is practicing. He has steadily progressed through league's concussion protocol. Must complete today's practice without setback and receive clearance from independent neurological consultant to play Thursday vs. Raiders. pic.twitter.com/HoKbeCLWPx
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 24, 2021
Already missing Amari Cooper for a second game due to COVID-19, Dallas needs Lamb back to help keep the offense going. That was painfully evident last Sunday as the passing game couldn't get going even when CeeDee was on the field, let alone when he was out.
As good as Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown can be in spots, the Cowboys needs at least two of their top-three receivers out there to be the kind of offense we've seen most of the year.
With Offensive Tackle Tyron Smith already confirmed to play tomorrow, Lamb's return could really help get things back on track. After losing two of their last three games, the Cowboys have to get momentum back to losing ground in the NFC and the division race.
