The Dallas Cowboys continue their push through the 2025 season without their elite receiver. CeeDee Lamb remains sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for an extended period. As fantasy football managers await his return, recent developments suggest progress in his recovery timeline.
CeeDee Lamb Injury Update
Lamb sustained his high ankle sprain during the first quarter of Dallas’ Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred on his first touch of the game when Bears linebacker Noah Sewell fell on his left ankle during a tackle, forcing him to limp off the field in visible pain.​
The Cowboys star has now missed three full games with the injury, extending his absence longer than initially projected. The team originally estimated a 3-4 week recovery timeline for the high ankle sprain, but the conservative approach has pushed his return deeper into October.​
However, encouraging signs have emerged regarding his rehabilitation progress. Lamb has ramped up his rehab work each week, displaying steady improvement in his recovery process. Most notably, he was spotted working on a side field using resistance bands for the first time since sustaining the injury, marking significant progress in his rehabilitation.​
Wednesday brought the breakthrough Cowboys fans have been waiting for when Lamb returned to practice in a limited capacity for the first time since sustaining the injury. He followed up with another limited practice session on Thursday, continuing his progression toward full availability.​
Most importantly, Lamb told reporters that he is going to play this week against the Washington Commanders. The receiver revealed that he felt ready to go last week, but the team held him out another week out of an abundance of caution. He indicated that he’s fully healthy and ready to go with no restrictions moving forward.​
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed extreme confidence in Lamb’s return, jokingly saying “If he’s breathing, I’d feel pretty good” when asked what he needed to see from the receiver to clear him for Sunday’s game.
Lamb Fantasy Outlook
While Lamb works his way back from injury, George Pickens has emerged as one of fantasy football’s most productive receivers during this stretch. The former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver has dominated targets in Lamb’s absence, posting elite WR1 numbers that have made him a weekly must-start option.​
Pickens’ recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In Week 6 against Carolina, he hauled in nine receptions for 168 yards and one touchdown, accumulating 22.8 fantasy points in a losing effort. His 31.8-point explosion earlier in the season showcased his ceiling when operating as the Cowboys’ primary receiving threat.​
The numbers tell the story of Pickens’ dominance without Lamb on the field. Through six games, he has posted 32 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a legitimate fantasy starter. His touchdown consistency has been particularly impressive, finding the end zone in each of the past three games.​
When Lamb eventually returns to action, he will immediately resume his role as Dak Prescott’s top target and the Cowboys’ primary receiving option. However, Pickens should continue seeing significant opportunities in what projects to be a pass-heavy offense. The Cowboys’ historically poor defense means they’ll likely find themselves in high-scoring contests that can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.​
Dallas currently ranks second in the league in yards per game at 387.5 and fourth in points per game at 29.7, creating an environment where both receivers can thrive. The team’s defensive struggles virtually guarantee shootouts throughout the season, benefiting both Lamb and Pickens when the former returns.​
Pickens will inevitably see his target share decrease once Lamb returns, reverting to more of a complementary role rather than the primary option. However, his high weekly ceiling should remain intact given the Cowboys’ offensive firepower and tendency to throw frequently. Both receivers should be considered every-week starters in fantasy when healthy.
Fantasy managers who have held onto Lamb during his extended absence should be rewarded with an elite option for the season’s stretch run. His potential Week 7 return would provide a significant boost just as leagues begin preparing for playoff positioning, making him a potentially league-winning asset for patient managers.
