As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they’ll be without veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who has been placed on injured reserve. The announcement on Saturday, October 5, confirmed that Cooks will be sidelined for at least a month after undergoing a procedure to address a knee infection.

“Cooks had a procedure last week on his knee that led to an infection, which required a clean-out surgery last weekend,” shared Dallas Cowboys staff writer Nick Eatman on the team’s official website. “While it was initially reported Cooks would miss just one game against Pittsburgh, it now appears this will be a multi-week absence, leading the Cowboys to place him on injured reserve.”

When Will Brandin Cooks Return to the Field?

NFL rules allow players placed on injured reserve to return after four games. This means that the earliest Cooks could be back is for the Cowboys’ November 10 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooks will definitely miss key matchups, including Sunday’s game against the Steelers, followed by games against the Detroit Lions on October 13, the San Francisco 49ers on October 27, and the Atlanta Falcons on November 3.

In Cooks’ absence, the Cowboys are expected to lean heavily on wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who will start opposite star wideout CeeDee Lamb. Additionally, players such as Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and rookie Ryan Flournoy—who has yet to appear in a game this season—are expected to see increased playing time. The team also has Jalen Cropper and Kelvin Harmon available on the practice squad as potential reinforcements.

Cowboys Adjust Roster Amidst Injuries

In response to Cooks’ injury, the Cowboys made a series of roster moves. Linebacker Nick Vigil was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, and cornerback Amani Oruwariye and defensive end Carl Lawson were elevated for Sunday’s game.

Despite the changes, quarterback Dak Prescott remains confident in the team’s ability to adapt without Cooks. Prescott acknowledged that while the offense will face challenges, he’s focused on maintaining a balanced approach.

“I don’t break the huddle and say I’ve got to go be Superman here,” Prescott stated during a media session on October 3. “I’ve been able to break some tackles, do some things to help us out. But as I’ve said, it’s about making the throws, using my feet, and staying within my game.”

Prescott stressed the importance of teamwork and consistency as the Cowboys move forward. “I’m just focused on being my best, and I hope the guys on the squad do the same,” Prescott added. “If we do that, stay detailed, and execute, I’m not worried about the results. It’s about finding a way to win, starting this Sunday, and taking it one game at a time.”

The Cowboys will need to dig deep without Cooks, as the road ahead includes tough matchups. However, with a mix of rising talent and veteran leadership, Dallas is determined to keep its offense on track.