Brandin Cooks #3 of the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys had hoped for some good news this week regarding wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but it looks like the veteran will have to wait a little longer before returning to the field. Cooks, who has missed the last six games due to a knee injury, was designated to return to practice earlier this week, sparking optimism that he might be activated in time to play on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, the Cowboys officially confirmed on Saturday that they would not activate Cooks from injured reserve in time for the Week 12 matchup, meaning he will miss his seventh consecutive game.
Cooks, 31, has had a challenging season with the Cowboys, and this latest setback has only added to the frustration. After a knee procedure to address an infection, he has been sidelined since Week 4. Even before the injury, his production had been disappointing, with only 9 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. His struggles have been a significant part of what has been a lackluster season for both him and the Cowboys’ passing attack, which has failed to live up to expectations in 2024.
A Lost Season for Cooks
For Cooks, who is in the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, this has been a far cry from what he envisioned heading into free agency. The 11-year veteran was hoping for a strong season to boost his value on the open market, but with career-lows looming across the board, it’s been a tough year. If Cooks cannot find his rhythm down the stretch, it will likely impact both his potential earnings and future landing spots as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Despite the challenges, Cooks remains optimistic. In a statement earlier this week, he mentioned that his knee “feels great” and that he was looking forward to finishing the season strong. His hope is to contribute to the Cowboys’ offense when he does return, aiming to make a strong impression that can help him land a more favorable deal when the offseason arrives.
The Cowboys’ Receiving Corps in Cooks’ Absence
Cooks’ absence has been a tough blow for the Cowboys’ offense, which has relied heavily on CeeDee Lamb to carry the load at wide receiver. While Lamb has thrived in his expanded role, the lack of a consistent second option has been glaring. Michael Gallup, once considered a key part of the Cowboys’ receiving corps, has struggled to regain his pre-injury form, further putting pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott to force passes to Lamb.
With Cooks still sidelined, the Cowboys may need to explore other avenues to bolster their receiving options. Whether through trade, development of younger talent, or a renewed effort to get Gallup and others involved, Dallas has to find a way to take some of the pressure off Lamb as the team looks to make a playoff push.
Looking Ahead
As for Cooks, the hope is that he’ll be able to return soon and finish the season on a high note. With the Cowboys facing the Washington Commanders on Sunday, his absence continues the trend of missed opportunities for Cooks to get back on track. However, if his knee does indeed feel “great,” it’s possible that he could make his return in the coming weeks as the Cowboys head into the home stretch of the season.
For now, Cooks will continue to work his way back from injury, hoping that a late-season resurgence can salvage both his year and his future in the NFL.
