The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant challenge on the defensive front as they prepare for Week 5.
While their recent 20-15 victory over the New York Giants was a much-needed boost after two consecutive losses, injuries to key defensive players have complicated the situation.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons Injuries
During the game against the Giants, Micah Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain, but even more concerning was the injury to DeMarcus Lawrence. The veteran defensive end sustained a Lisfranc injury in his foot, sidelining him for an estimated four to eight weeks. The Cowboys are expected to place Lawrence on injured reserve (IR) soon, further depleting their defensive line.
Next Man Up: Carl Lawson Steps In
With Lawrence out of the lineup, the Cowboys have revealed their contingency plan at defensive end. According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys will elevate Carl Lawson to the active roster to fill the gap. Signed by the team in August, Lawson brings experience from his previous stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets. Throughout his career, Lawson has compiled an impressive 69 solo tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 27 sacks. The Cowboys hope Lawson can step up in Lawrence’s absence and help stabilize the defense.
Lawrence’s Impact Will Be Missed
The loss of DeMarcus Lawrence is a significant blow to the Cowboys’ defense. He leads the team with four tackles for loss and three sacks, contributing 14 total tackles. His presence on the field will be missed, and with Parsons also dealing with an injury, the Cowboys will need contributions from the entire defensive unit.
Dallas’ Strategy Moving Forward
The Cowboys are not only promoting Lawson but also planning to bring in multiple players for workouts as they seek to bolster their depth. The open market offers limited options, which places added pressure on the Cowboys’ current roster to perform.
As head coach Mike McCarthy likely emphasizes, injuries are an unavoidable part of the game. The Cowboys will need to rely on the depth they built in the offseason to weather the storm and maintain their playoff ambitions despite the setbacks.
