Cowboys veteran WR to miss time with knee infection

The Cowboys’ injury luck continues to worsen. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will be sidelined for Week 5 and potentially longer after an infection developed in his right knee, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Cooks injured his knee against the Giants on Thursday and remained in New York for a medical procedure that resulted in the infection. The infection threatens his status for the Cowboys’ upcoming slate of games. Mike McCarthy confirmed Cooks’ absence for Week 5 on Wednesday, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.

Dallas is already contending with injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence on the defensive side of the ball, with Cooks’ infection now thinning out their receiving corps behind CeeDee Lamb.

Cooks dealt with knee soreness during training camp, though it is unclear if his current injury and infection are related. The veteran wide receiver has struggled to begin the season, catching just nine of his 19 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown. His 0.67 yards per route run is tied for fifth-lowest among receivers with at least 10 targets in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.

Dallas has virtually no proven depth behind their top three of Lamb, Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert.with KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks combining for just eight receptions this season. Rookie Ryan Flournoy was a healthy scratch in Weeks 1-4, though that is likely to change with Cooks sidelined.

Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will need to make adjustments to his passing game in Cooks’ absence. Dallas has used three-receiver sets on more than 75% of their offensive plays this season, per SumerSports. Schottenheimer could rely more on tight ends, such as Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, moving forward, which could aid a rushing attack that averages just 3.5 yards per carry this season, the second-lowest in the NFL.

The Cowboys could look to an external WR addition if Cooks’ infection results in a long-term absence. Still, initial reports indicate they are not expected to pursue Davante Adams as his trade market heats up.