The Dallas Cowboys face another setback as wide receiver Brandin Cooks will miss at least Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a knee infection following a recent injection.

ESPN’s Todd Archer was the first to report Cooks’ absence for the Sunday night matchup.

CeeDee Lamb, the team’s leading receiver with 316 yards, is expected to take on a larger role against a tough Steelers defense. The receiver group will rely on Jalen Tolbert (160 yards), KaVontae Turpin (55 yards), Jalen Brooks (52 yards), and Ryan Flournoy (awaiting his NFL debut) to step up in Cooks’ absence.

Cooks remains involved in team meetings, mentoring the younger receivers as they adapt to increased responsibilities this week. “I think it’s just opportunity,” Tolbert said. “When my number is called, I’ll make a play and keep growing. I feel ready to show what I can do.”

Tolbert has been called upon in crucial moments early in his third NFL season, aiming to continue his trend of three consecutive games with at least three receptions.

“I think you can clearly see what Jalen’s done,” head coach Mike McCarthy noted. “He’s executing the fundamentals well and building a strong rapport with Dak, which will only improve.”

Brooks has mainly seen situational play but is ready to elevate his game with Cooks sidelined, recalling his journey of proving himself at various levels of football.

“It’s next man up,” Brooks said. “Being mentally prepared comes from experience. I started in Division II, then FCS, and eventually at South Carolina. Hard work breeds confidence.”

Tolbert and Brooks’ opportunity resembles their training camp experience when CeeDee Lamb was absent due to a contract dispute, giving them extra reps with Prescott.

“In camp, I was performing WR2 tasks,” Tolbert said. “This week is no different. It’s just me and CeeDee instead of B-Cooks and me. I’ll play my style and focus on what I can contribute.”

McCarthy sees the value in the reps young players receive, no matter how they come.

“As a young player, getting reps is invaluable, regardless of position,” he said.

Rookie Ryan Flournoy, drafted in the sixth round from Southeast Missouri State, is expected to make his NFL debut after being inactive for the first four games.

“I’m super confident,” Flournoy said about the chance. “I’ve been hungry since the last preseason game, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove I belong.”

Tolbert is anticipated to start alongside Lamb, with either Jalen Brooks or KaVontae Turpin making their first NFL starts. Cooks will miss the Steelers game but will be evaluated before the Cowboys host the Detroit Lions in week six, their final game before the bye week.