Jerry Jones took the stage alongside prominent figures from the Dallas-Fort Worth sports community Tuesday when he turned to DeMarcus Ware. He looked at the 42-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer, who recorded 117 sacks over nine seasons with the Cowboys, and said, “We need you out here this week.”

The crowd, gathered for the announcement of IndyCar’s Grand Prix of Arlington in 2026, burst into laughter. However, Jones may have been serious, as the Cowboys are notably short on defensive ends.

Sam Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, DeMarcus Lawrence was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, and Micah Parsons missed Sunday’s game due to a high ankle sprain. Although Marshawn Kneeland avoided a severe knee injury, he’s expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

Before the season, expectations were high for Parsons and Lawrence as a top pass-rushing duo, with Williams and Kneeland providing depth. Now, the team is relying on Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson, Tyrus Wheat, and KJ Henry. Many suggest Jones should pursue a trade to bolster the position, but he prefers to let the younger players on the roster step up.

“I agree with being aggressive,” Jones stated. “But the guys we have need to be aggressive. From that standpoint, yes, let’s be aggressive. We’ve got players on the practice squad who can make plays. We brought in Henry last week. It’s important to let our depth players compete.”

Jones emphasized the value of depth, noting that it’s unrealistic to think a team won’t need its depth players. The injuries extend beyond the defensive line, impacting cornerbacks DaRon Bland (foot) and Caelen Carson (shoulder), along with wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee), who was placed on IR. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton also left Sunday’s game with a knee issue.

Lawrence is not expected back for at least a month, and Kneeland may be out for four to six weeks. Parsons could return this week, but it’s more likely he’ll sit out against the Detroit Lions and return in two weeks against the San Francisco 49ers, considering the Cowboys have a bye next week. “He’s close,” Jones said of Parsons, but emphasized the uncertainty of his return.

Cooks is expected back after his four-game IR stint, targeting a return for the November 10 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Guyton’s injury isn’t serious, giving him a chance to play this week, while Stephen Jones mentioned that Bland has a “real chance” to play this Sunday.

While some see these injuries as a reason to strengthen the roster, Jerry Jones views it differently.

After recently making Dak Prescott the NFL’s highest-paid player and CeeDee Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback, the Cowboys have two main roster goals left: retaining Parsons beyond his rookie deal and building depth through successful draft classes. Playing inexperienced players is central to that strategy, indicating a proactive approach to the team’s future.

Although the Cowboys’ reliance on youth and minimal veteran additions may suggest a “soft rebuild,” Jones rejects that label. He defended the team’s structure, asserting that they should always have players ready to step up, as evidenced by their win against Pittsburgh.

The Cowboys secured a 20-17 victory over the Steelers on Sunday night, with Golston, Wheat, and Lawson forming the primary defensive end rotation. Each contributed to the defense, combining for a half sack and four QB hits, helping to sack Steelers quarterback Justin Fields three times and pressure him eight times.

“The only positive of losing a player,” Jerry Jones stated, “is that a young player in depth will gain valuable experience, enhancing their future potential.”