FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys will probably be with out extensive receiver Brandin Cooks for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers — and doubtlessly longer — after an an infection developed in his proper knee following a process final week, sources advised ESPN on Wednesday.
Cooks had a process in New York following final week’s win in opposition to the Giants, sources mentioned. After he developed signs upon his return to Dallas, Cooks had surgical procedure to scrub out the an infection in his knee. That was carried out by crew docs over the weekend.
Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Cooks would not play in opposition to the Steelers on Sunday.
Cooks, 31, had been coping with a knee challenge since coaching camp, nevertheless it didn’t preserve him from training or enjoying. He had an analogous process completed over the summer season throughout coaching camp with none points.
Within the first 4 video games, Cooks has 9 catches for 91 yards and a landing, however 4 of these receptions — and his TD — got here within the season-opening win in opposition to the Cleveland Browns.
The Cowboys have had issue getting Cooks going offensively since buying him in a commerce from the Houston Texans in 2023. He got here to the Cowboys with six 1,000-yard seasons to his credit score with 4 completely different franchises (New Orleans, New England, Los Angeles Rams, Houston).
Cooks, who had 54 catches for 657 yards and eight touchdowns final season, has been a helpful mentor to the extensive receivers and whole locker room. Throughout coaching camp, he displayed his top-end velocity to make quite a few performs.
His absence leaves the Cowboys skinny and inexperienced at receiver behind CeeDee Lamb, who has 20 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cowboys have Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin and Ryan Flournoy, who has but to be energetic this season, behind Lamb on the 53-man roster. They’ve mixed for 21 receptions for 267 yards and two scores.
“I really like the blokes we now have right here,” McCarthy mentioned. “[Flournoy] is certainly prepared. I imply he is somebody who has been competing every week to be up. He’ll undoubtedly have extra alternatives. The 2 Jalens, that is extra alternatives for them, Turpin. Yeah, love our apply squad guys. We’ll be in fine condition there.”
The final time the Cowboys made an in-season commerce for a large receiver was in 2018, after they acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders for a first-round choose.
The Cowboys have $22.25 million in wage cap room, in response to NFLPA figures. Nevertheless, they wished to hold over most of that cash to 2025, when they may want the room for the useless cash on expiring contracts involving Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence and Cooks.
