After missing two games while undergoing COVID-19 protocols, wide receiver Amari Cooper was activated December 1 and is now expected to play on Thursday when the Cowboys travel to New Orleans to face the Saints. The two games Cooper missed due to a positive test and his unvaccinated status both ended in critical losses.
Along with Cooper’s return, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is anticipated to be ready for the game. Lamb suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the game against Kansas City in Week 11. He was a game-time decision for Thanksgiving but has said he did not feel prepared mentally or physically.
The return of the team’s two top passing targets comes at a time when quarterback Dak Prescott is in need of help. Against the Raiders on Thanksgiving, Prescott amassed 375 passing yards but had only two touchdowns.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott added another score, but the offense left three opportunities on the field, two of which went for field goals. In a three-point OT loss, those opportunities are where the Cowboys’ offense has missed the dynamic receiving duo.
Both receivers have been particularly effective in games this season when Dallas was behind. The two have accounted for more than 500 yards when the Cowboys are behind by one score.
Against Kansas City, Prescott had one of his worst games of the season. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. It was the first game of the season that Dallas failed to score a touchdown. Lamb had three receptions for 14 yards when he was injured while trying to prevent an interception in the second quarter and did not return.
The news that both Cooper and Lamb will be available comes when the Cowboys are struggling to keep the offensive line together.
Numerous injuries and a player suspension have forced the team to use unconventional players to fill in. The shifting players are one of the reasons behind Prescott’s recent struggles, the struggles of the running game to pick up yardage, and the Cowboys being unable to finish close games despite having one of the most potent offenses, at least on paper.
The Cowboys currently hold third place in the NFL for passing yards at 3,335 and are only 135 yards behind league-leading Tampa Bay. They are also third in total touchdowns with 39.
The Saints defense ranks around the middle in defending against the pass but has allowed the third-fewest yards on running plays this season.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys announced that wide receiver #3 Cedrick Wilson will be inactive after suffering an ankle injury against the Raiders on Thanksgiving.
Michael Gallup was likely to get the majority of Wilson’s snaps and will be the primary third receiver. Gallup has seen limited action in the last three weeks after sustaining a calf strain in Week 1. Noah Brown will be designated as receiver #4.
While the offense is getting key cogs on the field again, they will play without six coaches, including head coach Mike McCarthy due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will handle the play-calling duties in place of McCarthy, while numerous other coaches will fill in for the other coaches who are currently out while moving through the NFL’s COVID protocol.