Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Cowboys Make Roster Move Amid CeeDee Lamb Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Stone | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys fell back to earth with a 30-27 loss on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. While it was another strong game for quarterback Dak Prescott, who completed 25-34 passes for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns, the Cowboys couldn't get stops with any consistency, particularly against their own former running back, Rico Dowdle.

The Cowboys now sit at 2-3-1 on the 2025 NFL season and are anxiously awaiting the return of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has missed several games due to injury.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys made a roster move that signaled that Lamb's return may be coming up soon.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88).© Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"The Cowboys have released WR Jalen Cropper, per source, with the impending returns of CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin," reported Cowboys insider Todd Archer of ESPN on X. "The hope is Cropper passes through waivers and returns to practice squad."

Cropper has played in the last three games for the Cowboys, but hasn't recorded any stats this year outside of a lost fumble and a fumble recovery against the Panthers on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Lamb last appeared in the Cowboys' Week 3 loss on the road against the Chicago Bears, getting injured early in that contest. Lamb is currently officially listed as questionable on the injury report leading into next week's game against the Washington Commanders, per ESPN.

In Lamb's absence, the Cowboys have gotten a boost from wide receiver George Pickens, whom the team acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers over the offseason. Pickens had another strong game against the Panthers, hauling in 9 receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown.

Prescott is also playing arguably the best football of his career, and would likely be a legitimate MVP candidate if the Cowboys' record was a little bit better.

However, in order to be the best version of itself, Dallas would certainly like to have Lamb back in the lineup.

The Commanders and Cowboys are set to kick off on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET from Dallas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: