The Dallas Cowboys have officially decided to shut down star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season, as he’ll miss the final two games on the schedule. This decision comes after additional testing revealed that the risk of further injury was simply too high for him to continue playing. While this decision marks a significant moment for the team, it also highlights the tough reality that the Cowboys are no longer in playoff contention after last weekend’s elimination. With nothing left to fight for in the 2024 season, sitting Lamb for the final games feels almost like waving a white flag, acknowledging that it’s time to shift focus to the future.

However, it’s important to recognize that Lamb’s injury isn’t the sole factor in this decision. Although it’s tempting to view it as a byproduct of the Cowboys being out of the playoff race, there are other considerations at play. Dallas has made it clear that their focus for the remainder of the season is on 2025 and beyond, and this shift in mindset will likely impact not only the decisions regarding Lamb’s health but the broader strategic choices for the team’s lineup.

The decision to shut down Lamb should set off a chain reaction of adjustments and opportunities for other players to step up. With Lamb sidelined, this is the perfect time for the Cowboys to give some younger players a chance to prove themselves and gain valuable experience heading into next season. Here are a few key changes that should happen as a result of Lamb’s absence and the team’s focus on the future:

1. Tyler Smith Should Start at Left Tackle

One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the fact that Tyler Smith, the Cowboys’ first-round pick, has been sitting on the bench for much of the year. Instead, the Cowboys have started Chuma Edoga, despite Smith’s higher draft pedigree and potential. While Smith has had his fair share of undisciplined moments, it’s worth questioning whether it has been the right call to sacrifice valuable development reps for a player who entered the league as a long-term project.

With the Cowboys officially out of playoff contention, it’s time to give Smith the starting role at left tackle for the final games of the season. Mike McCarthy, as a head coach with a competitive mindset, likely made the decision to start the veteran Edoga for most of the year, hoping to give his team the best chance to win. However, now that the stakes have changed, this is a prime opportunity to let Smith refine his skills in live action. Experience in these final games will be far more beneficial for his development than any offseason training could be, and not starting him at this point would be a missed opportunity for the rookie.

2. More Opportunities for Jonathan Mingo

Since the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to acquire wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, his impact on the field has been underwhelming, with only two catches on eleven targets. It hasn’t been pretty, but now, with Lamb out, Mingo should be given more opportunities to prove his worth. This is the perfect chance for the Cowboys to evaluate him more closely and see if he can make an impact, both for this season and in the future.

Mingo has two more years left on his contract, and the Cowboys likely acquired him with the intention of developing him over the long term rather than expecting an immediate, game-changing performance. However, as the team looks toward 2025 and beyond, it’s crucial to see whether Mingo can give the Cowboys something to be excited about over the final two games. If he can emerge as a reliable contributor, it could make a significant difference in how the Cowboys approach their wide receiver corps heading into the offseason.

3. Honorable Mentions: Key Players Who Should Get More Looks

There are a few other players who, given the current situation, should be given increased opportunities to showcase their abilities as the Cowboys wind down the season:

• DE Marshawn Kneeland: While players like Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston have earned their time on the field, this could be the perfect opportunity for the second-round rookie to see significant snaps against top-tier offensive tackles. Kneeland has shown flashes of potential, and now is the time to give him more chances to prove his worth at the highest level.
• FB Hunter Luepke: Luepke has been part of the lineup for most of the season, but I’d love to see him get more carries in these final games. The offensive line has shown improvement, and this could be the perfect time to see if Luepke can find some rhythm in the run game. Getting a look at him with more opportunities could be crucial for determining his future with the team.
• WR Ryan Flournooy: Flournooy had a breakout moment last weekend when he caught a 26-yard pass over the middle, showcasing his potential as a deep threat. As a fifth-round rookie, he’ll likely get the start on Sunday, and it will be exciting to see if he can build on that momentum. More targets and opportunities in these final games could help him carve out a role for next season.

Wrapping Up

With CeeDee Lamb officially out for the remainder of the season, the Cowboys have a unique chance to focus on the future and evaluate young talent. The final two games against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and others will serve as a testing ground for several players, and it’s essential that Dallas takes full advantage of the opportunity. As they set their sights on 2025 and beyond, this time will be pivotal for the team’s development. Whether it’s giving Tyler Smith more chances at left tackle, allowing Jonathan Mingo to find his footing, or letting rookies like Marshawn Kneeland, Hunter Luepke, and Ryan Flournooy step up, the Cowboys need to make the most of the remaining games to shape their future.