Cowboys 'optimistic' Lamb will play on Thanksgiving

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys 'optimistic' WR CeeDee Lamb will play on Thanksgiving

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/24/21

Things are progressing well for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as he makes his way through the NFL's concussion protocols. NFL Network's Jane Slater reported Wednesday afternoon that the team is feeling good about the second-year pro's chances to suit up for Dallas' Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.

#Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb at practice today. According to HC Mike McCarthy he’s “hit every step to this point” Lamb will still need to meet with neurologist after practice to clear last step in protocol but they seem optimistic about his chances of playing vs #Raiders Thursday pic.twitter.com/zP9euRrRk8
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 24, 2021

After owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Lamb, as well as offensive lineman Tyron Smith, "might play" vs. Las Vegas, Dallas Morning News Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken had even more promising news on Wednesday.

Cowboys LT Tyron Smith (ankle) is slated to be a full participant again in today’s practice, coach Mike McCarthy said. McCarthy believes Smith will be “ready to go” Thursday vs. Raiders after missing the past three games.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 24, 2021

While Lamb and Smith could very well be in action against the Raiders, the Cowboys offense will be without wideout Amari Cooper for the second straight contest. Cooper tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is unvaccinated.

Lamb is the team's leader in targets (77), receptions (50), receiving yards (740) and receiving touchdowns (six). If both Lamb and Cooper were to miss Week 12, quarterback Dak Prescott's primary receiving options would include tight end Dalton Schultz, wide receiver Michael Gallup and running backs Ezekiel Elliott.

The Cowboys and Raiders kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.

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