McCarthy gives detailed insight into why Cowboys shut down ...

FRISCO, Texas — One look at a Google search result for the word "gladiator" will likely yield three distinct images: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington and CeeDee Lamb — the Dallas Cowboys' superstar receiver having forced the team to carry him out on his shield.

And with Lamb now officially shut down for the final two games with the excruciatingly painful AC joint injury, head coach Mike McCarthy spoke on the decision.

"CeeDee, obviously we all know what he means to our football team," McCarthy told 105.3 the Fan. "He's been playing with this shoulder [injury] for some time. And when we had the [latest] scans and examination, it's clearly worse than it's been. The risk is too high to play this week."

For those operating under the belief that it's only now occurring due to lack of a shot at the playoffs, not only is that debunked by the fact Lamb played against the Buccaneers.

It's also put to bed by McCarthy, noting this is completely about the latest MRI and not the team's overall state of affairs.