The Dallas Cowboys have both good news and bad news when it comes to their star players’ injuries. Guard Zack Martin (shoulder/ankle) is doubtful for the game, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back/foot) has been cleared and will play. In addition, star cornerback DaRon Bland is expected to make his season debut, per NFL Insider Rapoport.
Lamb was not present for the open portion of Thursday’s practice and had been limited in practice on Wednesday, so his absence on Thursday raised concerns about a possible decline in his status for the upcoming game. Although he hasn’t had as many explosive performances this season, Lamb, who led the Cowboys in receptions last year with 135, remains the WR4 in PPR formats.
His upside has been somewhat limited due to the absence of quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), who is out for the season. The Cowboys’ quarterback has faced a challenging season, securing only three wins heading into Week 9 before suffering a partially torn hamstring in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Initially expected to miss a few weeks, the Cowboys have since placed him on injured reserve, officially ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Martin earned first-team All-Pro honors for the third straight season in 2023, marking the seventh time in his career. However, he is unlikely to achieve that distinction again this year, as this could be his final season. Martin is not expected to play on Sunday, as injuries are beginning to take a toll in his 11th season. The Cowboys have listed him as doubtful due to ankle and shoulder injuries, which kept him sidelined from practice throughout the week
Bland was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot back in late August and Dallas opened his 21-day practice window before their game against the Detroit Lions, which came just before the team’s bye week. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has confirmed that Bland is expected to make his season debut this Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
This time last year, Bland was making headlines with his knack for returning interceptions for touchdowns. He famously set an NFL record for most interception returns in a season during the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game, which also happened to be against the Commanders.
Though the Cowboys’ season may be faltering, Bland is eligible for a contract extension in the upcoming offseason. After his breakout year, he’ll likely want to finish strong to increase his value heading into free agency.