The Dallas Cowboys are facing a critical juncture in their season. With a disappointing 3-5 record and three straight losses, they’re limping into a must-win Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team’s playoff hopes are on life support, and it only got worse when quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a severe hamstring injury, sidelining him indefinitely.
Adding to the Cowboys’ troubles, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb sprained his AC joint in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It’s a painful injury, and normally, a player would be given time to rest and recover. But Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy seems to have other ideas — and they might be more about saving his own job than protecting Lamb’s future.
McCarthy Pushes Lamb to Play Despite Injury
On Friday morning, McCarthy appeared on 105.3 The Fan and was upbeat about Lamb’s progress.
“Had a heck of a day yesterday. He looks good. But (managing the pain) is definitely something he’s gonna have to deal with,” McCarthy said.
Lamb has been a limited participant in practice all week, and it’s expected he’ll play against Philadelphia. But the question remains: Should he?
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Dallas has just a 10% chance of making the playoffs. They need a near-flawless finish to the season to have any shot, but their recent performances suggest that’s unlikely. With a battered roster and fading postseason hopes, it’s clear McCarthy is feeling the heat. His contract is up at the end of the season, and he knows making the playoffs is likely his only chance to keep his job.
Is McCarthy Sacrificing Lamb’s Health?
CeeDee Lamb is one of the top wide receivers in the league and a key part of the Cowboys’ future. Pushing him to play through injury might give Dallas a better chance against the Eagles, but it could also jeopardize his long-term health.
It’s understandable that Lamb wants to be on the field with his teammates. He’s a competitor, and he’s willing to play through pain. But that’s when a coach needs to step in and protect his player — especially when the odds of making the playoffs are so slim.
McCarthy’s decision to keep Lamb in the lineup seems more like a desperate move than a calculated strategy. He’s risking one of his best assets to try and save a sinking season. If Lamb aggravates his injury or is forced to miss even more time later on, it could have serious consequences for the team’s future.
A Risky Gamble That Could Backfire
The Cowboys are staring down a tough stretch of games, starting with a red-hot Eagles team. Even with a healthy Lamb, Dallas would have a hard time turning things around. Without Prescott, it’s an even bigger uphill climb.
If McCarthy forces Lamb to play through injury and it backfires, it won’t just be a mistake in a lost season — it could have long-term ramifications for the Cowboys’ top playmaker. At this point, with the playoffs looking like a pipe dream, it might be better to prioritize the health of their star receiver over the slim chance of a postseason push.
In the end, McCarthy’s decision says a lot about where the Cowboys are right now. It’s a franchise struggling to stay afloat, making desperate moves in a desperate season. And if it goes wrong, it’s a gamble that could cost more than just another loss.
