Dallas Cowboys Welcome Key Starters Back Ahead of Vikings Clash

The biggest development came with CeeDee Lamb, who was back on the field in limited fashion after sustaining a concussion last week. Lamb’s return is a massive boost for a Cowboys offense that has relied heavily on his explosiveness, route precision and yards-after-catch ability. While he still must clear league protocols, his presence alone elevated the energy at practice. “We’ll take every step the right way, but having No. 88 out there again is definitely encouraging,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said.

Dallas also welcomed back several other contributors who were dealing with lingering issues. Multiple starters participated on a limited basis as the team eased them into the week, aiming for full availability by Sunday night. The Cowboys know they need all hands on deck — especially with the Vikings fielding one of the league’s stingiest scoring defenses and desperately fighting to stay afloat in the NFC playoff picture.

But the news wasn’t perfect. Trevon Diggs, though medically cleared, remains a major question mark. Schottenheimer acknowledged there is “still a hurdle to clear,” hinting at either conditioning concerns or internal evaluation about his readiness. Diggs has not played in six straight weeks, and whether he returns against Minnesota could dramatically influence Dallas’ defensive game plan, especially against rising Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are dealing with injury trouble of their own. Star receiver Jordan Addison, still managing the Achilles tear that ended his 2024 season, was limited again. Two other key offensive players missed practice entirely, and Minnesota’s coaching staff admitted that conditioning and durability late in the season are becoming real concerns. The Vikings signed linebacker Josh Ross to reinforce their roster ahead of the final stretch.

For the Cowboys, the return of Lamb — and the possibility of additional starters ramping up throughout the week — marks a critical turning point. At 6-6-1, Dallas cannot afford a misstep. Their postseason path requires winning out and hoping for help elsewhere in the NFC. A home matchup in prime time against a battered Vikings team is an opportunity they must capitalize on.

If Wednesday’s practice was any indication, the Cowboys are finally trending toward healthier waters. Whether that leads to a season-saving performance on Sunday night remains the story to watch — but for the first time in weeks, Dallas has reason to feel optimistic heading into a must-win clash.