The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a pivotal moment in their 2025/26 NFL season as they grapple with the potential loss of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to injured reserve (IR) due to a high-ankle sprain. The injury, sustained in a brutal Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, has left the team reeling as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers in a high-stakes Sunday night showdown at AT&T Stadium. With rookie right guard Tyler Booker also sidelined by a similar injury, the Cowboys’ offensive line is teetering on the edge, and the looming threat of IR placements could derail their season.
The Cowboys confirmed on Friday that both Lamb and Booker have been ruled out for the September 28 clash against the Packers. Lamb’s injury occurred early in the first quarter against the Bears when linebacker Noah Sewell rolled across his left ankle during a rare handoff. The star receiver limped off the field, unable to return, and ESPN’s Todd Archer reports a projected recovery timeline of three to four weeks. Booker, meanwhile, is nursing his own high-ankle sprain, leaving Dallas’ offense in a precarious state.
“We’ll see how both players are next week before making a decision about putting them on injured reserve,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. Placement on IR would sideline Lamb and Booker for at least four additional games, a devastating blow for a team already struggling to find its rhythm after last week’s loss.
While the Cowboys’ offense faces uncertainty, their defensive secondary remains a bright spot. Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are expected to suit up, providing some stability against a Packers offense that’s poised to come out swinging. Adding to the drama, linebacker Micah Parsons will make his highly anticipated return to Dallas after a tumultuous offseason marked by a dramatic trade and fallout with team owner Jerry Jones. His presence on the field could ignite the home crowd, but it may not be enough to offset the absence of key offensive weapons.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are riding high with a near-fully healthy roster. Running back Josh Jacobs, who battled an ankle issue during practice, has been officially cleared to play. Through three games, Jacobs has racked up 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing six receptions for 48 yards. Quarterback Jordan Love, despite a lingering left thumb concern, was a full participant in practice and is set to start, giving Green Bay a significant edge. Their return to full strength couldn’t come at a better time as they face a depleted Cowboys squad.
The matchup at AT&T Stadium, set for a 20:20 ET/17:20 PT kickoff, promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes. The Cowboys, battered by injuries and facing critical roster decisions, must find a way to rally without their star receiver and rookie guard. The Packers, bolstered by the return of their offensive stars, are primed to exploit Dallas’ vulnerabilities. With Parsons’ homecoming adding an extra layer of intrigue, this game could be a defining moment for both teams in the 2025/26 season. Will the Cowboys rise above their crisis, or will the Packers’ healthy squad run away with the victory? All eyes will be on Arlington this Sunday night.