DeMarcus Lawrence Faces Extended Sideline Stint with Lisfranc Injury
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks due to a Lisfranc injury. The severity of the injury was confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy, although he refrained from going into specifics.
"The specifics of it, I think that's more for him to answer. I know the second opinion is complete. So it's gonna be multiple weeks," McCarthy said.
The injury to Lawrence comes at a difficult time for the Cowboys, who have been struggling with several setbacks on their defensive line since the beginning of the season. Linebacker Micah Parsons is also dealing with an ankle sprain, which is likely to keep him out of the Week 5 matchup.
"It's just frustrating for real. I put a lot of effort and energy into being ready for the team, so it hurts me. I feel like I'm letting people down. I kind of [thought] of myself as [being] invincible for a while. It's humbling. It's humbling. ... It's part of that test. Faith, keeping that faith alive. Come back strong," Parsons shared.
The absence of Lawrence and Parsons adds to an already challenging situation for the Cowboys' defensive roster. The team had already lost Sam Williams, a key rotational edge rusher, to a season-ending injury during training camp. Additionally, the departure of experienced edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong during free agency left significant gaps. As a result, the Cowboys will face the Pittsburgh Steelers without their top five edge rushers from the previous season.
McCarthy acknowledged the mounting pressure on the remaining players, including rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who will face increased responsibility in the upcoming games. McCarthy spoke positively about Kneeland's adaptability and enthusiasm.
"I really like what [I've seen from] Marshawn, just the way he's reacted to everything. You know, every time he gets more responsibility, he just goes about it with the right attitude and great energy," McCarthy noted.
The domino effect of these injuries and departures means the Cowboys need to make immediate roster adjustments, a fact McCarthy did not shy away from acknowledging. He emphasized the importance of remaining optimistic and providing opportunities for less seasoned players to step up.
"So, it creates a great opportunity for others. And that's really our approach. And, obviously, we have to make some roster adjustments. We're still kinda working through that," McCarthy explained.
The Cowboys' defensive line challenges illustrate the cruelty of the sport, where injuries can rapidly shift the dynamics of a team. McCarthy captured this sentiment aptly, stating, "It's definitely the unfortunate part of our game. Definitely tougher with those two guys being on our football team and especially being in the same position. But this is what this game is all about. This is what this league is all about. It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in, week out."
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Steelers, they lean on the resilience and adaptability of their roster. The performance of players like Kneeland will be under the spotlight, with their contribution likely to play a crucial role in determining the Cowboys' defensive effectiveness moving forward. Despite the challenges, McCarthy's focus remains on nurturing the potential within his team, embracing each setback as an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion.