CeeDee Lamb was optimistic after Sunday’s game in Chicago. Despite not playing in the final three quarters because of a left ankle injury, Dallas’ star wide receiver said he was “all right” and “absolutely” would be able to play through it next Sunday.

But that’s no longer the case.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Monday that Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain, meaning he’ll likely miss some time, reportedly 3 to 4 weeks. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that the Cowboys don’t plan to place the receiver on injured reserve and how his ankle responds to treatment will determine how long he’s sidelined.

“He’s got a high ankle sprain and every one of those are different,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “We’d love to have him back for Green Bay, but at the same time, we also got to understand the injury is what it is, and it’ll play out.”

Lamb, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been Dallas’ No. 1 wide receiver the last five years. No pass catcher has had a better rapport with Cowboys franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens in May to complement Lamb and the passing game. With Lamb out, Pickens now becomes the clear No. 1. But they’ll also need even more from tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receivers KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert.

Dallas’ defense has been a major liability the past two weeks. The hope was that the offense could carry the team until they figured things out on the other side of the ball. They didn’t look nearly as explosive offensively after Lamb exited the game in Chicago. And now they have a much tougher task Sunday against the Packers.

How much does the game plan change without Lamb?

“I think it changes quite a bit,” Jones said. “When you’re able to have both out there it’s a huge plus. Certainly can do a great job for us in the role, but I think everything takes one step back from there. I think Turpin is doing a great job for us, but when you have all three of those guys out there, it’s a lot for the defense to take a look at.

“We are running the ball well when we do run it, and Ferguson is doing a good job there in the middle, but when you miss a player like CeeDee, it certainly makes a difference.”

(Photo: Raymond Carlin III / Imagn Images)