The Dallas Cowboys have faced a tough week preparing for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Things just got worse with the revelation that wide receiver Brandin Cooks will have to miss at least one game with a knee infection. Let us explore how Brandin Cooks’ absence affects the team and what they can do to overcome it.
Injury Update: Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks had a knee procedure after last Thursday’s win over the New York Giants. Unfortunately, he’s developed an infection and will thus not be available for the game against the Steelers. The Dallas Cowboys will miss him badly because he has been quite an important offensive part of the season. With nine catches for 91 yards and one touchdown, he has proven to be a reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott.
The loss of Brandin Cooks might also be longer, as reports claim he might miss more time. This situation puts much pressure on the rest of the receivers to come through and fill the gap Cooks left behind.
What it Means for the Offense
Brandin Cooks provides the Dallas Cowboys offense with that element of speed and experience, so the team will have to modify its game plan without him, and CeeDee Lamb will become the focal point of the passing game. The guy can stretch the field and make some big plays. He should also see more targets. That will be huge for the Dallas Cowboys to keep their offense clicking.
Also, the other wide receivers, Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy, will receive good minutes on the field. They need to prove themselves as big contributors. This is their chance to prove they can hold more responsibilities. Dak Prescott had to quickly transition from losing Cooks and learn how to utilize the remaining receivers better. Prescott has a strong arm and good vision that will be required to connect well with his teammates.
Game Plan Adjustment
Without Cooks, the Cowboys may lean more on their running game. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are each good backs that can help ease the pressure off the passing game. A good running game also opens up other opportunities. In part, this is one way an approach by the team keeps the Steelers’ defense on its heels.
Concerns on Defense
While Cook’s injury is a big story, there is much more to be said of this case than injuries to even the Dallas Cowboys team. Apart from the injuries that befell Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence—some true defensive stars for the Dallas Cowboys—the duo is quite vital to the defense. They are missing those two players to create a better impact on the whole team. The Cowboys will need to adjust on both sides of the ball.
Looking Ahead
And against the Steelers, it would all boil down to how to play with Cooks missing. Winning a game under stressful conditions makes a team great. If they pull in and make proper use of the right talents, then victory awaits them too.
Injuries happen in the game. Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t have to define a season. The Dallas Cowboys have the talent and determination to rise to the challenge. With strong leadership and teamwork, they can navigate this hurdle and keep their season on track.
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