The Dallas Cowboys remain shorthanded heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Carolina Panthers.
CeeDee Lamb is still out.
It's as big an absence as any team can have at the wide receiver position. Lamb is a do-everything WR for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' offense. He catches short passes as an extension of the run game, and he goes down the field and has incredible hands.
But for the third consecutive week, Lamb isn't playing for the Cowboys.
MORE: How Bo Nix's college journey set him up for Broncos success
Why isn't CeeDee Lamb playing?
Lamb isn't healthy.
He's still out with an ankle sprain.
Lamb wasn't placed on IR, which comes with a minimum four-game absence, so it seemed Dallas expected him to be back sooner than that.
He has now missed three games, though, so it hasn't exactly been a quick return.
The Cowboys got a big boost in Week 5 from Ryan Flournoy, a depth WR who starred with more than 100 yards just in the first half against the New York Jets in Week 5.
Dallas will need additional next-man-up performances in Week 6 to not feel the absence of Lamb too heavily.
MORE: Colts make an unexpected and weird Anthony Richardson decision
When will CeeDee Lamb be back?
Lamb can return anytime, because he isn't on IR.
But he's missing his third consecutive game in Week 6.
The Cowboys are back in action Sunday in Week 7, on Oct. 19 against the Washington Commanders. That'll be Lamb's next opportunity to return to game action.
More NFL News:
- Chargers add RB who hasn't played in NFL since 2022
- Chiefs seeking upgrade at key offensive position
- What Jets' RB Breece Hall has said about his trade rumors
- Packers facing Joe Flacco for 2nd time in 4 weeks
- Why Cowboys let Rico Dowdle leave for Panthers in free agency
- Mark Andrews trade could be in the cards for scuffling Ravens