Dallas Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks sidelined by infection after getting 3 injections in his knee

When it pours for the Dallas Cowboys.

Already without defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys (2-2) will now face the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday minus starting receiver Brandin Cooks.

Cooks confirmed he is dealing with an infection after getting three injections in his knee after the last Thursday’s 20-15 victory against the New York Giants.

It’s a knee that has bothered Cooks since training camp when he missed the final week of practice and has only worsened due to the wear and tear of running so many routes through the first four games of the season, partially due to the Cowboys being in so many 2-minute formations and hurry-up offense.

Cooks is not expected to be sidelined for more than a week.

But it’s a blow to the Cowboys.

Parsons is slated to be out 2-4 weeks with a with a high sprain. He is hoping he has will miss only one game. Lawrence has a mid-foot sprain and has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks.

Coach Mike McCarthy said there is no doom and gloom in the Cowboys locker room.

“It’s the total opposite tone of your question in a positive sense,” McCarthy said. “It’s a great opportunity for the others. It’s very apparent. You walk into your team meeting, and you got DLaw and Micah sitting in the front row because of the injuries that they’re dealing with. It is a great opportunity for others. We’re excited about it.

“We took a step in New York, had a chance to catch our breath. Obviously injuries are part of it. You never want to lose any of your guys, especially top guys. This is a great opportunity to show the quality of our football team. We’re excited about this.”

McCarthy said he is especially excited about the receivers who will be called on the replace Cooks and supplement star wideout CeeDee Lamb. They include Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin and rookie Ryan Flournoy.

“I love the guys we have here,” McCarthy said. “The two Jalen’s, Turpin, love our practice squad guys.”