DeMarcus Lawrence Faces Extended Absence with Lisfranc Injury
The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has endured a series of setbacks, the latest being the sidelining of star edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence due to a Lisfranc injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the severity of Lawrence's injury but refrained from diving into specifics, stating only that the defensive stalwart would miss multiple weeks.
"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 disclosed, leaving a concerning gap in the Cowboys' defensive roster.
Adding to the Cowboys' woes, linebacker Micah Parsons is also grappling with an ankle sprain and seems likely to sit out the Week 5 match-up. Parsons, who had assumed more responsibility following Lawrence’s injury, expressed his frustration candidly. "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 reflected.
The Cowboys' defensive troubles began early in the season, compounded by the loss of Sam Williams, a key rotational edge rusher, during training camp. The departures of experienced players like Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in free agency further thinned an already depleted defensive line-up. As they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cowboys will be without their top five edge rushers from last season—a daunting challenge for any NFL team.
This series of injuries has placed immense pressure on the remaining defensive players, with rookie Marshawn Kneeland now expected to shoulder a significant portion of the load. McCarthy remains optimistic about Kneeland’s capability to adapt and rise to the challenge. "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 remarked, underscoring the rookie’s promising potential.
The Cowboys' need for immediate roster adjustments has been acknowledged by McCarthy, who alluded to the likelihood of changes ahead. "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," he said, highlighting the ongoing evaluation process.
Despite the significant setbacks, McCarthy remained steadfast in his belief that the team’s depth and collective effort would be crucial. "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," McCarthy said, emphasizing the league’s rigorous demands and the importance of resilience.
With Lawrence and Parsons out, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads, tasked with evolving their defense to weather this storm. The upcoming weeks will reveal much about the depth and adaptability of their roster. In this adversity, the performance of newer and less seasoned players, like Kneeland, will determine the team’s defensive effectiveness, ensuring their campaign remains competitive despite the mounting challenges.