Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys looked hapless for the second time in three weeks and, even though they’re still 8-3, the team needs these players to get healthy now.
In what was supposed to be the marquee game of Week 11, the Dallas Cowboys forgot to do their part against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dak Prescott played one of his worst games in recent memory, the rest of the offense followed suit and, even though the defense was good, it didn’t matter as they lost, 19-9.
Not all is lost for Dallas as they move to 7-3 on the season and remain in firm control of the NFC East at this point. However, this team is becoming increasingly banged up and the cracks that fact is causing are starting to show, even if it wasn’t the sole cause of the loss on Sunday.
Put simply, the Cowboys need to get healthy but, in particular, they could really use these three players back in the lineup.
Cowboys: 3 injured players who Dallas needs back on the field quickly
3. Amari Cooper, WR
Talking about Amari Cooper is tough because we know why he’s out and, more pressingly, when he’ll likely be able to get back on the field.
Dallas’ star wide receiver missed the Week 11 game because of a positive COVID-19 test combined with the fact that he’s unvaccinated. Because of the latter portion of that matter, he will also be out for the Thanksgiving Day game against the Raiders. And based on what we saw against Kansas City on Sunday, that could be a bit of a problem.
The offense was completely lost from start to finish against the Chiefs and it’s hard not to think Cooper wasn’t a big part of that. He’s a clear leader on that unit, helping with protections, willing to do the dirty work, and setting up teammates with the respect he commands from opposing defenses.
To make matters worse, CeeDee Lamb left the road loss on Sunday with a concussion. That’s a tough spot for the Cowboys offense to be in going forward and, as such, they need to hope and pray that they get Cooper back on the field as soon as possible. It’s clear that this team is going to struggle — albeit to varying degrees — without him out there.