The Dallas Cowboys put Brandin Cooks on injured reserve on Saturday due to a knee problem, which will keep their No. 2 receiver, behind All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, out for at least four games.
Cooks was already set to miss a game against Pittsburgh on Sunday night, but now he will be unavailable for at least three additional games. The 31-year-old can return on November 10 to play against Philadelphia.
Cooks developed an infection in his knee after having a procedure following Dallas’ 20-15 victory over the New York Giants on September 26. This infection needed a follow-up procedure.
He had been dealing with knee issues since training camp. Cooks left California a few days early, but he hadn’t missed any games this season. He has made nine catches for 91 yards and one touchdown.
With Cooks out, rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy will get a chance to make his NFL debut. Flournoy was inactive for the first four weeks of the season.
Jalen Tolbert, who recorded career highs of six catches for 82 yards in a Week 2 loss to New Orleans, is expected to take on Cooks’ role behind Lamb.