It was a day the Dallas Cowboys will attempt to quickly forget as the Chicago Bears made short work of America’s Team with a 31-14 blowout loss in Week 3. Things went from bad to worse after CeeDee Lamb exited the game early following an ankle injury.
Cowboys fans are frustrated for multiple reasons, but some are none too pleased with the team’s decision to utilize Lamb at running back. Lamb sustained an ankle injury during a rushing attempt after his leg got caught under a Bears defender.
The star playmaker returned for one play in the second quarter but appeared unable to run a normal route and was ruled our for the rest of the game. Former Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley was among those who criticized the Cowboys’ decision on social media.
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“On The Ceedee Lamb Injury……. I Could See If You Needed A Spark On Offense Or It’s Been Some Time Since Ceedee Got The Ball But With The Way #33 (Javonte Williams) Has Been Running The Rock. There Seriously Was NO REASON TO BE GIVING CEEDEEE A RUNNING BACK HANDOFF!!!!” Holley noted in the September 21, 2025, message on X. “(DON’T) COMPLICATE GREATNESS🤦🏾♂️.”
Here’s why the 1-2 Cowboys are catching heat after a dismal performance in Chicago.
Cowboys Under Fire for CeeDee Lamb’s Injury While Being Used as a Running Back
Many fans chimed in to agree with Holley in questioning head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s decision to utilize Lamb on the running play. Something tells us we are unlikely to see Lamb take more carries any time soon.
Fans were quick to point out that Cowboys starting running back Javonte Williams has made a major impact during his first season in Big D. This makes the decision to use Lamb on a gadget play even more questionable.
“Javonte Williams averaging at least 5-6 per carry and they decide to put Cee Dee at RB, make it make sense🤷🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️,” one fan questioned.
“Should have never happened,” another added.
The Cowboys Defense Struggled in Loss vs. Bears
Lamb’s injury aside, the Cowboys are also under fire for the performance of the team’s defense. It was anything but an ideal homecoming for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as the coach faced his former team in Chicago.
The Cowboys allowed the Bears offense to average 6.8 yards per play as Chicago posted 31 points. Chicago converted eight-of-13 third down attempts.
Dak Prescott & Joe Milton Combined for 3 Interceptions vs. Bears
It was not just the defensive woes as the Cowboys struggled to score points. Dak Prescott threw two critical interceptions against the Bears.
With the game out of hand, Joe Milton was inserted as the Cowboys attempted to avoid Prescott sustaining an injury. Milton threw Dallas’ third interception of the game with nearly every aspect of the Cowboys struggling against the Bears.
Things do not get any easier for the Cowboys who are in serious danger of dropping to 1-3. Dallas faces the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, and Micah Parsons would like nothing more than to extend the Cowboys’ struggles this season following his departure.
