The Dallas Cowboys are approaching a pivotal Week 6 clash against the Carolina Panthers, but the status of one of their most important offensive weapons remains uncertain. After missing two straight games with a high ankle sprain, CeeDee Lamb’s availability could significantly shape the team’s trajectory.
However, the signs regarding his return have been mixed, leaving fans and the organization waiting for a final decision.
What Is the Latest on CeeDee Lamb’s Injury Status?
Lamb’s 2025 season started strong, with 222 yards and 16 receptions over three games. His momentum, however, came to an abrupt halt in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. A high ankle injury in the first quarter left him with no receptions and just six snaps in a 31-14 defeat.
PFSN’s Jordon Lawrenz reported that Lamb injured his ankle early in that Week 3 contest, a setback that left him without a single catch or yard before exiting the game.
Following the injury, the Cowboys initially chose not to place Lamb on injured reserve. This strategic decision avoided a mandatory four-game absence and hinted that the team expected him back sooner rather than later, possibly by Week 7, which would be the fourth game after the injury.
Despite this optimism, Lamb missed the subsequent contests against the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets in Weeks 4 and 5.
More encouraging signs emerged last week when Lamb returned to practice on a limited basis. His official status for the Week 6 game against the Panthers is now listed as “questionable.”
Jon Machota of The Athletic offered one of the most optimistic updates yet, noting, “He was moving around pretty well last week. If he doesn’t go this Sunday, I think there’s a good chance he’ll be back the following week against Washington.”
He was moving around pretty well last week. If he doesn’t go this Sunday I think there’s a good chance he’ll be back the following week against Washington
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 7, 2025
This weekend’s matchup carries significant weight for the Cowboys. The Panthers hold a 5-11 all-time record against Dallas, and their pass defense, ranked among the league’s top 10 at 204.4 yards allowed per game, presents a difficult challenge.
Yet, Carolina also allows 6.5 net yards per pass attempt, the 12th-highest figure in the NFL. This suggests opportunities could be available for whoever lines up as a wide receiver for Dallas.
The Cowboys also hold a significant edge on paper. According to PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, they rank third in the NFL with a score of 90.1, while the Panthers sit at 20th with a score of 72.7. That gap underscores how much Dallas relies on its offensive firepower, something that would only improve with Lamb back in the lineup.
In Lamb’s absence, George Pickens has stepped up. Against the Packers, he delivered an impressive 134 yards, eight receptions, and two touchdowns, showing he can shoulder the offensive load if needed. Still, a healthy Lamb would offer the Cowboys a crucial boost. Even if he sits this week, a return for the high-stakes Week 7 divisional showdown against the Washington Commanders appears increasingly likely.
The Cowboys weigh the importance of an immediate boost against the Panthers and the long-term benefit of ensuring Lamb is fully ready for the stretch run. The decision could define not only Sunday’s outcome but also Dallas’ momentum heading into one of the most intense rivalries of the season.