Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb became the centre of social media attention on Sunday, 10 August, after a sideline collision with a game official during the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The incident occurred at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, when a sprinting referee accidentally made contact with Lamb, sending him backwards into the bench area. Lamb, who was not in uniform for the game, appeared unhurt and was seen laughing afterwards. The Cowboys went on to lose the match 31–21.

The collision quickly went viral online, sparking speculation from some fans about whether the hit could have caused or aggravated any injury, and whether it might impact Lamb's availability for the upcoming regular season.

What Happened During the Cowboys–Rams Game

The moment unfolded in the second quarter as the referee ran along the sideline to keep up with the play. In an attempt to avoid players and staff in the area, the official clipped Lamb's side, resulting in both stumbling momentarily. The play drew a penalty for sideline interference against the Cowboys.

Despite the unexpected contact, Lamb immediately got back to his feet and shared a light-hearted exchange with teammates and staff. He did not receive medical treatment on the sideline and continued interacting with the team throughout the remainder of the game.

What Ref Has to Say About the Collision

In a report by CBS Sports, referee Alex Moore explained that Lamb was standing in the restricted white border area, and him being there is 'an automatic foul'.

'The official on the play was focused solely on doing his job, and he ran into CeeDee Lamb, who was standing in that restricted area', Moore said. 'It's more of a rare situation. Normally, we don't have anybody standing that deep into the restricted area, or that type of forceful contact... but it does happen from time to time'.

Cowboys' Position and Current Injury Status

As of the latest update, there has been no official injury report linking the incident to any physical setback for Lamb. The Cowboys have not announced any absence for him in upcoming preseason or regular season games. Team representatives have not suggested that the wide receiver is out for the season.

Lamb, who is entering his sixth NFL season, has been a key figure for the Cowboys' offence. In 2024, he recorded 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns over 15 games. His consistent production and role as the team's primary receiving threat make his health a priority for Dallas ahead of the 2025 regular season.

Fan Reaction and Online Speculation

Following the viral clip, fan comments on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram ranged from light-hearted jokes to genuine concern about Lamb's status. Some posts speculated about possible lingering injuries, while others questioned whether the accidental collision could have worsened an undisclosed condition.

Search queries such as 'CeeDee Lamb injury', 'ref hit', and 'out for season' have trended in the hours after the game. Despite this, credible sports news outlets and NFL insiders have reported no evidence to support claims that Lamb's season is in jeopardy.

No Official Word on Any Absence

While the accidental sideline collision has driven significant online discussion, the available evidence indicates that Lamb remains active with the Cowboys. The next scheduled team update is expected later this week, when the Cowboys release their latest injury report ahead of their second preseason fixture.

Originally published on IBTimes UK