The Dallas Cowboys have decided to shut down All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the final two games of the 2024 season due to a worsening shoulder injury. Lamb had been playing with an AC joint injury for the past six to seven weeks, enduring pain each time he landed on his right shoulder. Despite this, he continued to perform at a high level, including a strong showing with backup quarterback Cooper Rush. However, the situation reached a tipping point during a 52-yard catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he landed directly on his shoulder and briefly left the field for the second half.
With the Cowboys now officially out of playoff contention, the decision was made to shut Lamb down for the remainder of the season. Head coach Mike McCarthy explained the reasoning behind the move during an interview on 105.3 The Fan, emphasizing that the injury had worsened upon further examination. He added that, even in an earlier part of the season, the risk of further aggravating the injury would have been deemed too high. As a result, it was deemed necessary for Lamb to start his rehabilitation process and focus on recovering for the future.
Lamb’s injury is part of a larger trend of key players for the Cowboys suffering injuries this season. In addition to Lamb, quarterback Dak Prescott, guard Zack Martin, and cornerback Trevon Diggs have all seen their seasons cut short due to various injuries. While Lamb’s case is concerning, there is no indication that the injury will require surgery, and the team believes any additional damage from playing through the pain is minimal.
The Cowboys’ season has been marred by injuries, but Lamb’s willingness to play through pain for over a month speaks to his commitment to the team. Despite the difficult season, Lamb surpassed 1,000 receiving yards again, proving his value as a top performer. Now, as the season ends prematurely for him, Lamb will begin his rehab in hopes of returning strong for next year.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have reworked quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract to create more flexibility for the team in the future. Although the Browns have not definitively decided whether Watson will be their starting quarterback in 2025, the contract restructuring ensures that Watson will remain on the roster. The rework allows the team to push some of Watson’s dead cap money out to the 2030 season, which provides more room for roster moves in the short term.
Watson’s contract has been a major source of controversy since the Browns acquired him before the 2022 season. He signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, which was considered one of the worst contracts in NFL history due to his off-field issues and the fact he had barely played football for two years. Over the past three seasons, Watson has only started 19 games for the Browns, with the team posting a 9-10 record in those games. His performance has been disappointing, making his contract even harder to justify.
Watson is currently sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season with an Achilles injury, further complicating the Browns’ decision-making process regarding his future. While the team is locked into paying him for the next two seasons, the big question is whether they will continue to rely on Watson as their starter or seek a new quarterback for the 2025 season. They are also considering all possible options, including the draft, free agency, or trade, as they try to build a competitive team.
The Browns face significant pressure to win, and star player Myles Garrett has publicly stated that he needs to see a clear plan for the team’s future success before committing long-term. Garrett’s comments highlight the urgency for the Browns to address their quarterback situation and build a roster capable of competing in the near future. As the team navigates these challenges, the restructured contract gives them more flexibility, but the decision on Watson’s future remains a critical one.
