The Dallas Cowboys made the difficult but wise decision to shut down star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the final two games of the 2024 NFL regular season, as announced on Thursday. Lamb, who has been playing through a painful shoulder injury since Week 9, had already pushed himself for eight games despite the toll it was taking on his body. However, following the team’s official elimination from playoff contention, the Cowboys determined it was time to prioritize Lamb’s long-term health.

While the decision to end Lamb’s season may seem like a simple one on the surface, new insights into the situation were provided by head coach Mike McCarthy during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan on Friday. McCarthy offered a glimpse into the severity of Lamb’s injury and the reasoning behind the shutdown.

“He’s been playing with the shoulder for some time, and when they had to do the scans and the examination, it just—it was clearly worse than it’s been,” McCarthy explained. “The risk is too high to play this week. Even if this were Week 3, this would probably be the same decision. So, it’s important for him to shut it down and start rehabbing.”

These comments shed new light on the difficult decision, emphasizing that the injury was far more serious than initially perceived. McCarthy’s statement also highlighted how Lamb’s effort to continue playing, despite the pain and risk of further injury, only underscores his toughness and dedication. It’s one thing to play through minor discomfort, but to continue playing at such a high level while dealing with a significant injury is a testament to Lamb’s character and determination.

Fans and media members alike had witnessed Lamb’s relentless play over the course of the season, often seeing him visibly in pain, yet never giving less than his best. Not only did he consistently post impressive receiving numbers, but Lamb also silenced any doubts about his attitude, particularly when the Cowboys were struggling and things weren’t going in their favor. He proved that he was not only a dynamic player but also a leader and a source of inspiration for his teammates.

The decision to shut down Lamb for the season, however, goes beyond the Cowboys’ mathematical elimination from the playoffs. With key players like DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs already sidelined and their statuses uncertain for 2025, risking a more severe injury to Lamb would have been reckless. It’s clear that Dallas has bigger goals in mind for the future, and preserving the health of its star receiver is paramount. The organization knows that Lamb is integral to their hopes of contention in 2025, and playing him in these final games could jeopardize not only his health but the team’s chances in the seasons to come.

As the Cowboys prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Lamb will be focusing on his recovery and rehab, looking ahead to the next season. Despite the early end to his 2024 campaign, Lamb’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. He currently ranks third in the NFL in both receptions (101) and receiving yards (1,194), a feat that is even more impressive given the circumstances. Lamb played through adversity, including a backup quarterback situation for much of the season, and still managed to deliver elite-level production week in and week out.

While the Cowboys’ record may not reflect their potential, Lamb’s individual accomplishments have been a bright spot. He’s proven himself to be a true leader on and off the field, a player who is willing to sacrifice his body for the team’s success. As Dallas looks to the future, CeeDee Lamb will undoubtedly be a cornerstone for the franchise, and allowing him to fully recover now is the smart move for his future and the Cowboys’ championship aspirations.

For now, as the 2024 season winds down, Lamb’s focus will shift to getting back to 100% health, ready to come back even stronger in 2025. He has proven this year that he is one of the best in the NFL, and the Cowboys’ decision to shut him down only further solidifies that belief.