Many fantasy players may have noticed that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is listed as out despite ending his holdout and returning to practice. Lamb was placed on the NFL Commisioner’s Exempt List, which explains the “out” designation. Will Lamb play in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns?
What Is The NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List?
This doesn't mean CeeDee isn't playing the first two weeks. He's on the commissioner's exempt list and doesn't count against the 53-man roster limit until he's activated, which can happen anytime.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 28, 2024
The NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List is available to teams in rare cases. The commissioner, in this case, Roger Goodell, can deem certain players exempt from counting within the Active List limit.
In other words, a player on the Exempt List does not count toward the 53-man roster.
Only Goodell can place a player on the Exempt List. Teams have no control over the decision, meaning a player’s inclusion on the list is not guaranteed.
The commissioner also determines how long a player can stay on the Exempt List and when they will return to the Active List.
Will CeeDee Lamb Play In Week 1?
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy says CeeDee Lamb will be on a “pitch count” in today’s practice but Lamb will be where he needs to be by the end of the week to be full go vs Browns ✭ pic.twitter.com/Y41M9sRTC9
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) September 2, 2024
Lamb was placed on the Exempt List at the end of August. Now back at practice, will the Cowboys star play in Week 1?
Barring an unforeseen change, all signs point to Lamb suiting up Week 1.
After Monday’s practice, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated that Lamb was on a “pitch count” as he ramps up preparation for Week 1.
McCarthy believes Lamb will be ready for the game on Sunday. Once Lamb is activated on the roster, he can play in Week 1.
Last month, Lamb signed a massive four-year, $136 million extension with the Cowboys.
The Cowboys travel to Cleveland to face the Browns on September 8.
