After placing defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on the injured reserve list and divulging that DE Micah Parsons will likely miss the Cowboys' primetime showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, Dallas disclosed that starting wide receiver Brandin Cooks developed an infection in his knee after receiving injections for an injury he suffered in the team's victory over the New York Giants in Week 4.
As a result of the infection, Cooks has been ruled out of the Steelers game.
Cooks, along with CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert, have comprised the Cowboys' trio of starting WRs this year.
Thus far in 2024, Cooks has nine receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. The 31-year-old veteran is in his 11th season in the NFL. After winning the Biletnikoff Award at Oregon State in 2013, Cooks was a first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. With six 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt, he is playing his second season for the Cowboys.
Dallas will look to backup receivers KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks to fill the void left by Cooks' absence. Turpin played in 16 games last year for the Cowboys and had three TDs on 12 receptions. A dynamic athlete, he also rushed for 110 yards and another TD on 11 carries. Additionally, in Week 1 this season, he had a spectacular punt return for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.
Rookie WR Ryan Flournoy, who has yet to see any action this season, might also be in the mix against the Steelers. Last year, Flournoy was a captain at Southeast Missouri State, where he reeled in 61 passes for 984 yards and seven TDs.
One positive development for Dallas on the injury front is that starting rookie cornerback Caelen Carson looks to be ready to return to action against the Steelers after missing last week's contest with the Giants.
Cooks will be sidelined at least one week, and possibly longer. Per the NFL Network, the Cowboys' team doctor said Cooks "should feel great in one to three weeks."
