“I can’t express how grateful I am to be here,” Lamb said after his first training session back. “This whole process has been so crazy for me, as we all know. It’s been a very tough experience. I’ve had a lot of time to rejuvenate myself physically, to prepare better for the season. It’s true that I wish I had a camp, but that’s okay.

“It will all work out in the end. I’m so excited for this moment. I’m cherishing every moment of it.”

After splitting his summer training between Texas and South Florida, Lamb has gained nearly 15 pounds of lean muscle and is visibly larger than he was the last time he stepped foot in the Cowboys’ facility — in January — and his workout routine is often posted on social media accompanied by what he refers to as “hints” about his continued love for the game.

“I feel like I haven’t lost a beat,” said the NFL’s all-time receiving record holder. “The two hours I spent outside in the Florida weather wasn’t fun, but I appreciate it because when I get home, I can breathe a little bit more. I’ve physically prepared for this moment. I’m ready to go to battle.”

“I put on some armor. I put on more armor, so I can take more hits. I’m ready for the opportunities that come my way.”

With just 12 days left before the regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the question remains:

Will it be ready on September 8th? And to perform its duties fully without any restrictions?

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to be one step behind at all, I’m ready,” said the three-time Pro Bowler. “I’ve played this game my whole life. I’m going to have to get hit a little bit. It’s stuff, the contact stuff, but I’ve trained for it.

“I feel more prepared than ever.”

That’s exactly what the Cowboys want to hear ahead of one of the most pivotal seasons in team history, and certainly for the many players and coaches who remain without a contract beyond the 2024 season. One of those people is standout quarterback Dak Prescott, but Lamb is pushing hard to get that deal done next time, and fast.

It’s a song that Lamb hopes will never end, but will go on and on, my friends.

The two also trained together on more than one occasion during the strike.

“We definitely got our reps,” Lamb explained. “The best thing about it is he has a field in his backyard. So any time I came home, it was time. … It’s amazing.

“Look at our numbers together. They’re at the top of the charts. I have no doubt they’ll come to an agreement. We all know I want him here. Jerry Dak wants him here, too. So let’s get a handle on it and put the speculation to rest.”

The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and is literally in the Pro Football Hall of Fame through a pair of Lamb’s gloves, so there should be no problems with how quickly they reach their best early in the season.

And when it comes to tweaks to the playbook, Lamb has never been out of the picture.

Quite the opposite, in fact, as he sent countless text messages to players and coaches alike; and spent hours watching training film shot in Oxnard that was sent to him.

“It’s just talk,” he said of McCarthy’s 2024 offense. “They’ve tweaked some things. I’ve got my iPad on me. If you look at the clocks, I’m pretty sure I’m one of the best players in the league. [watchers]”.”

Overall, it looks like Lamb is fully prepared, even without Oxnard this time around.

“Yes, brother,” he said. “No doubt about it.”