A few days ago, Jerry Jones’ statement on the delay in CeeDee Lamb’s contract extension caused a massive uproar among fans and analysts alike. It even triggered a reaction from Lamb, hinting at a possible relocation.

After witnessing all the backlash, the Cowboys owner had no choice but to clarify his stance. On Sunday, when the ‘Americas Team’ traveled to LA’s SoFi Stadium for their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, the veteran owner tried his best for damage control before the kickoff.

Jones first of all explained the reason behind the Cowboys not showing the urgency to sign Lamb’s extension. According to him, there’s no one else who wants to see the all-pro receiver play for the Dallas outfit more than him.

I think I got in trouble the other day when I said, ‘We’re not urgent about CeeDee [Lamb].’ [However, there’s] no one [who] appreciates CeeDee being on the field any more than I do. But let me say this: he wouldn’t be taking a snap out here today if he had been here.

Jerry Jones said per Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein

His view stems from players picking up injuries during the pre-season games. In the first two days of pre-season football, several players succumbed to various injuries, a few will even be out for a long period.

Ahead of Cowboys-Rams preseason game, Jerry Jones says he “got in trouble the other day” for saying signing CeeDee Lamb isn’t urgent.

“I understand completely the angst that’s happening (about) whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee: You’re missed.”

Jerry clarifies👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/84Ly8tL7o9

— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 11, 2024

Jones’ previous statement started a chain reaction among the Cowboys fans. Even Lamb got himself involved, first for taking a cheeky dig at Jones and then dropping a hint of linking up with former college teammate Hollywood Brown.

The Cowboys miss CeeDee Lamb, but not to the point where Jerry Jones has to speed up his contract negotiations

The 25-year-old wideout remains one of the Cowboys’ most prolific players since he made his debut in 2020. 2023 in particular, he went nuclear, breaking the Cowboys’ all-time receptions (135) and receiving yards (1749 yards) record in a single season.

Lamb’s contract is set to run out after the 2024 season, and depending on his numbers, he wanted a big salary. The current highest-earning wide receiver in the league is Justin Jefferson, who signed a $35 million annual deal. Lamb is reportedly eyeing close to the Minnesota Vikings #1 receiver.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, are short on cash. They have one of the fewest cap spaces and need to extend several other big contracts, including quarterback Dak Prescott and edge rusher Micah Parsons’ besides Lamb. However, Jones’ delay in paying every one of them continues to create anxiety among the Cowboys ranks.

Lamb’s absence from the team’s OTAs and the training camp in Oxnard drew a lot of attention, and it will more than likely drag on until there’s an extension. However, in Jerry Jones’ view, Lamb’s absence doesn’t put pressure on the Cowboys.

I understand [completely] the angst that’s happening when you’re anxious about and someone says anything about whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee, you’re [missed]. But you’re not missed out here competing, and it doesn’t put any pressure—any place on us.

Jerry Jones said

The Cowboys are scheduled to play three pre-season games. Besides the Rams, they will also face the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers before the 2024 season begins in September.