Mike McCarthy head coach of the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a high-stakes Sunday night showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they’ll be doing so without several key contributors on both sides of the ball. After already placing defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on injured reserve and facing the possibility of missing star pass rusher Micah Parsons, the Cowboys have been dealt another blow with the news that starting wide receiver Brandin Cooks will miss the game due to an infection in his knee.
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Cooks’ Unexpected Setback
Cooks, who sustained a knee injury in the Cowboys’ Week 4 victory over the New York Giants, developed the infection after receiving injections to manage the issue. While the Cowboys’ medical staff initially hoped for a quick recovery, the infection has now ruled him out of the pivotal matchup with Pittsburgh. Cooks’ absence is a significant setback for the Cowboys’ offense, which has leaned on the veteran receiver as part of a dynamic trio alongside CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert.
In 2024, Cooks has recorded nine receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. Although those numbers don’t jump off the page, his experience and ability to stretch the field are invaluable to the Cowboys’ passing attack. Now in his 11th NFL season, the 31-year-old receiver has enjoyed a prolific career, including six 1,000-yard seasons. After being drafted in the first round in 2014 following a standout collegiate career at Oregon State, where he won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, Cooks has played for multiple teams and earned a reputation as a reliable deep threat.
Who Steps Up in Cooks’ Absence?
With Cooks sidelined, the Cowboys will turn to backup wideouts KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks to help fill the void. Turpin, a versatile playmaker, will have a chance to showcase his dynamic skill set once again. Last season, Turpin found the end zone three times on just 12 receptions and added 110 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. This year, he’s already made his mark in Week 1 with a dazzling punt return for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys will look to him for more of that explosive playmaking ability.
Rookie Jalen Brooks, who has seen limited action so far, will also have an opportunity to contribute in Cooks’ absence. The Cowboys may also consider giving snaps to rookie Ryan Flournoy, who has yet to take the field this season. Flournoy, a captain at Southeast Missouri State last year, hauled in 61 catches for 984 yards and seven touchdowns during his final collegiate campaign and has the potential to make an impact if called upon.
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A Silver Lining on Defense
While the news surrounding Cooks and Parsons is concerning, there is at least one positive development for the Cowboys on the injury front. Rookie starting cornerback Caelen Carson is expected to return to action after missing last week’s game against the Giants. Carson’s presence will be crucial against a Pittsburgh passing attack that features the likes of George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys are already dealing with several key injuries just five weeks into the season, and this latest news regarding Cooks only deepens their challenges. However, Dallas is no stranger to adversity, and head coach Mike McCarthy will need to lean on his depth as the team navigates this critical stretch of games.
While Cooks is expected to miss at least one week, NFL Network reports that team doctors are optimistic about his recovery, suggesting he could be back on the field in one to three weeks. In the meantime, the Cowboys will have to rely on their next-man-up mentality as they aim to keep pace in the NFC East.
All eyes will be on how the Cowboys adjust, with Pittsburgh ready to test their depth in primetime.
