Brandin Cooks to Miss Game Against Pittsburgh Steelers Due to Knee Infection Following Surgery
The Dallas Cowboys face a significant setback as wide receiver Brandin Cooks will be sidelined for Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to complications from a knee infection. Sources have confirmed that Cooks, 31, underwent a procedure on his right knee, but an infection developed after the surgery, necessitating a follow-up procedure to address the issue.
The surgery and subsequent recovery process will keep Cooks off the field not only for this Sunday’s game but possibly for an extended period, raising concerns about how the Cowboys will manage their offense without one of their key wide receivers.
The Origin of Cooks’ Knee Injury
Brandin Cooks, who joined the Cowboys in a trade from the Houston Texans in 2023, initially had surgery on his knee following Dallas’s Week 1 win against the New York Giants. Although he completed the surgery in New York, complications arose after he returned to Dallas, leading to the development of the infection.
According to team sources, the team’s medical staff performed a follow-up procedure over the weekend to clear out the infection. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed on Wednesday that Cooks would not participate in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This news hits hard for Cowboys fans, as Cooks’ contributions were expected to be a major part of the team’s offensive strategy. He is one of the few players in NFL history with six 1,000-yard seasons for four different franchises, including the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans. Cooks had proven to be a consistent performer before his knee issues flared up.
Brandin Cooks’ 2024 Season So Far
So far in the 2024 season, Cooks has played in four games, recording nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. His standout performance came during the Cowboys’ season opener against the Cleveland Browns, where he caught four passes and scored a crucial touchdown to secure the team’s victory.
However, since the opener, Cooks has not been as productive as expected. His role within the Cowboys’ offensive system had yet to hit its stride. Many believe his lingering knee issues contributed to the slowdown in his production, as the knee had been troubling him since training camp.
Despite undergoing a similar procedure during training camp, Cooks had managed to play and practice without any major issues. Unfortunately, the latest complications have sidelined him indefinitely, further dampening the Cowboys’ already uncertain receiving corps.
Impact on the Cowboys Offense
Cooks’ absence leaves the Cowboys with a considerably thinned-out receiving group. Behind CeeDee Lamb, the team lacks veteran depth. CeeDee Lamb has been the standout performer with 20 receptions, 316 yards, and two touchdowns in the 2024 season, but now more pressure falls on the younger and less experienced players.
The Cowboys’ wide receiver unit now consists of Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and Ryan Flournoy, who hasn’t been activated this season. Combined, these players have accounted for only 21 catches, 267 yards, and two touchdowns. Their inexperience might pose a significant challenge to quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offensive game plan against the formidable Steelers’ defense.
McCarthy Confident in Backup Receivers
Despite the obvious challenge, Coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic about the players stepping into Cooks’ shoes. He has expressed confidence in his receiving group and believes that the backups will rise to the occasion.
“We’ll be in good shape,” McCarthy said during a press conference. “I love the guys we have here. [Ryan Flournoy] is definitely ready. He’s been competing each week to be up. This is more opportunity for Jalen [Tolbert], Jalen [Brooks], and Turpin. We love our practice squad guys too.”
While the Cowboys’ depth will be tested, McCarthy’s comments suggest that he is not considering making an in-season trade to bolster the receiving corps. It’s worth noting that the last time the Cowboys made a mid-season trade for a receiver was back in 2018, when they acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders for a first-round pick.
Financial Flexibility
The Cowboys currently have $22.25 million in salary cap space, according to the NFLPA. However, reports indicate that they are looking to carry over most of this money into 2025, where they will face significant financial obligations. Some of the contracts set to expire include key players like Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks himself.
Given the Cowboys’ tight salary cap planning, it seems unlikely that they will pursue a high-profile trade or free-agent acquisition to replace Cooks during his absence. Instead, the team may rely on its existing personnel and look for internal development to fill the void.
Cooks’ Mentorship and Leadership
Despite his recent struggles on the field, Cooks has continued to provide valuable mentorship to the younger players on the Cowboys roster. Known for his professionalism and experience, Cooks has been a guiding influence for players like CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert. His leadership has also had a positive impact on the entire locker room.
During training camp, Cooks displayed his well-known top-end speed, making several impressive plays and earning the respect of his teammates. His presence off the field will remain critical as the Cowboys navigate the next few games without him.
A Look Ahead for the Cowboys
As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes will be on how the team adapts without Cooks. The Steelers’ defense, known for its ability to stifle passing attacks, will present a formidable challenge. It remains to be seen if the Cowboys’ younger receivers can step up and take on more prominent roles in the offense.
The Cowboys will need to lean heavily on CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott to continue their winning momentum. Lamb has already shown his ability to handle increased pressure, and Prescott’s leadership will be tested as he works with a less experienced receiving corps.
If Cooks’ recovery takes longer than expected, the Cowboys may find themselves in a difficult situation. Despite the initial optimism about his return, infections can sometimes lead to prolonged absences, and the Cowboys may need to start exploring external options if their current roster struggles in his absence.
FAQs
Q1: How long is Brandin Cooks expected to be out?
A1: While the exact timeline for Cooks’ recovery hasn’t been confirmed, he will miss the game against the Steelers and could be out longer depending on his recovery from the knee infection.
Q2: What is the nature of Brandin Cooks’ injury?
A2: Cooks developed a knee infection following a procedure on his right knee, which required a follow-up surgery to clear out the infection.
Q3: Who will replace Brandin Cooks in the lineup?
A3: CeeDee Lamb will remain the primary receiver, with Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and Ryan Flournoy stepping into more significant roles.
Q4: Will the Cowboys trade for a wide receiver?
A4: As of now, the Cowboys are not expected to make a trade and will rely on their current roster to fill the void left by Cooks’ absence.
Q5: How much salary cap space do the Cowboys have?
A5: The Cowboys have approximately $22.25 million in salary cap space, but they are planning to carry most of it over to 2025 to accommodate upcoming contracts.
Q6: How has Brandin Cooks performed this season?
A6: In four games, Cooks has nine receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown, with his best performance coming in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Q7: Will Brandin Cooks return this season?
A7: The Cowboys are hopeful that Cooks will recover in time to return later this season, but the situation will depend on how his knee infection heals.
Q8: What is the Cowboys’ wide receiver depth like without Cooks?
A8: The Cowboys’ depth is thin, with CeeDee Lamb as the standout. The remaining receivers are young and relatively inexperienced.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys will need to weather the storm without one of their key wide receivers, Brandin Cooks, as he recovers from a knee infection. With the Pittsburgh Steelers on the horizon and several critical games ahead, the Cowboys’ depth will be put to the test.
