Cowboys Dealt Another Injury Blow, Star WR Out vs. Steelers

Chris Ward |

Updated: Oct 2, 2024

Dallas Cowboys Brandon Cooks — Brandin Cooks. -- Christopher Michel

The Dallas Cowboys will be without No. 2 wide receiver Brandin Cooks (right knee) for Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Cooks could potentially be out longer for Dallas after an infection developed in his right knee following a procedure he had after remaining in New York following the win against the Giants.

Through four games, Cooks has recorded nine receptions for 91 yards (10.1 average) and a touchdown. Kalen Tolbert and KaVonte Turpin are in line for increased roles opposite All-Pro CeeDee Lamb. Cooks is the fourth-leading receiver on Dalals, behind Lamb, Tolbert and tight end Jake Ferguson.

Steelers top cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will most likely be matched up against Lamb on Sunday night. Lamb, who recorded 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, continues to put up gaudy numbers. He has caught 20 passes for 316 yards (15.8 average) and two touchdowns through four games.

In addition to Cooks being ruled out, the Cowboys placed defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on the injured reserve list on Tuesday. Lawrence suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot during last week’s game versus the New York Giants and will miss four to eight weeks.

Cowboys All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is also not expected to play after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Giants last Thursday night. Despite missing some key pieces, the Cowboys will be well-rested due to having a 10-day break between last Thursday night and Sunday night’s showdown against the Steelers.

Mike Tomlin said the Steelers will still prepare to face Parsons, even if he looks unable to play right now, because of how much he can change a game.

“I use the phrase all the time: If you have red paint, you paint your bar red. With those dynamic edge people like (DeMarcus) Lawrence and maybe even Parsons out, we better get ready for a lot of schematic pressure from him, but we better also prepare for the likes of Parsons,” Tomlin said. “A guy like is not normal in any circumstances, so we better be prepared if he shows up in-stadium to work and minimize him and how they move him around and his unique talents, particularly in one-dimensional passing moments.”