Cowboys’ Brandin Cooks to miss at least 1 game due to infection | Sports

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys shall be with out large receiver Brandin Cooks for Sunday's game in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers — and doubtlessly longer — after an infection developed in his proper knee following a process final week, sources instructed ESPN on Wednesday.

Cooks had a process in New York following final week's win in opposition to the Giants, sources stated. After he developed signs upon his return to Dallas, Cooks had surgical procedure to clear out the infection in his knee. That was carried out by staff docs over the weekend.

Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Cooks would not play in opposition to the Steelers on Sunday.

Cooks, 31, had been coping with a knee challenge since coaching camp, however it didn't preserve him from practising or enjoying. He had an analogous process performed over the summer time throughout coaching camp with none points.

In the primary 4 video games, Cooks has 9 catches for 91 yards and a landing, however 4 of these receptions — and his TD — got here within the season-opening win in opposition to the Cleveland Browns.

The Cowboys have had problem getting Cooks going offensively since buying him in a commerce from the Houston Texans in 2023. He got here to the Cowboys with six 1,000-yard seasons to his credit score with 4 completely different franchises (New Orleans, New England, Los Angeles Rams, Houston).

Cooks, who had 54 catches for 657 yards and eight touchdowns final season, has been a worthwhile mentor to the large receivers and full locker room. During coaching camp, he displayed his top-end velocity to make quite a few performs.

His absence leaves the Cowboys skinny and inexperienced at receiver behind CeeDee Lamb, who has 20 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cowboys have Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin and Ryan Flournoy, who has but to be energetic this season, behind Lamb on the 53-man roster. They have mixed for 21 receptions for 267 yards and two scores.

“I love the guys we have here,” McCarthy stated. (*1*)

The final time the Cowboys made an in-season commerce for a large receiver was in 2018, once they acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders for a first-round decide.

The Cowboys have $22.25 million in wage cap room, in accordance to NFLPA figures. However, they wished to carry over most of that cash to 2025, when they are going to want the room for the lifeless cash on expiring contracts involving Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence and Cooks.