The Dallas Cowboys were without their top offensive weapon at the start of their mandatory minicamps as All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was conspicuously absent.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy addressed Lamb’s absence. Paying it little concern, McCarthy said that Lamb is “in a business situation” and has no fears about Lamb not being ready for training camp.
“CeeDee’s in a business situation but everybody’s engaged,” McCarthy said, via the team’s official website. “I’ve got no qualms about our best being ready.”
The “business situation” McCarthy referred to is Lamb’s pursuit of a contract extension. Lamb is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is coming off the best season of his young career.
McCarthy didn’t seem worried though.
“When you talk about veteran players, every offseason program I’ve been a part of, the veterans have workout bonuses and it’s all factored in,” McCarthy said. “It’s about connecting the young players to the veterans. You have veteran players that may miss or not miss but they’re all engaged.
“We’ve had an incredible offseason program. The quality of work within the realm that we can practice in, I feel great about it. We’ll definitely be above the line of what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Lamb had 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns – all career-highs – as the Cowboys went 12-5 and won their division. He earned his third straight Pro Bowl, a First-Team All-Pro selection and finished third in the Offensive Player of the Year voting.
Will Lamb be back with the team for the start of training camp?