Cowboys reportedly to limit snaps of Amari Cooper in return

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys reportedly to limit snaps of Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper in return vs. Saints

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/2/21

Amari Cooper will play for the first time in over two weeks, as the Dallas Cowboys take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 on "Thursday Night Football". The four-time Pro Bowler will reportedly be eased back into action, though.

#Cowboys WR Amari Cooper will play tonight after two-game Covid absence, but I’m told to expect the team to limit his volume of snaps. His conditioning level is not what it was two weeks ago before he came sick.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 2, 2021

Cooper last played in the Cowboys' Week 10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, but tested positive in the week leading up the team's next contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. As an unvaccinated player, Cooper was unable to clear the NFL's protocols in time for Week 11 or for the team's Week 12 Thanksgiving Day game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

In addition to Cooper, the Cowboys are expected to get defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence back on Thursday for the first time since mid-September. Lawrence had been on injured reserve since breaking a bone in his foot in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite missing the last two games, Cooper still ranks second on the team in behind CeeDee Lamb in receiving yards (583) and receiving touchdowns (five), while placing third in targets (65) and receptions (44).

Lamb missed Week 12 against the Raiders due to a concussion, but is expected to be a full go on Thursday.

More must-reads: