Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence Placed on Injured Reserve, Set to Miss At Least Four Games
The Dallas Cowboys have taken a major hit to their defensive unit, placing star defensive end Demarcus Lawrence on injured reserve following a foot injury sustained during the team’s Thursday night victory over the New York Giants. The injury, which occurred in Week 4, will sideline Lawrence for at least four weeks, according to the team’s announcement on Tuesday. This news, while not entirely unexpected, comes as a blow to the Cowboys’ defense, which is already grappling with early-season struggles.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport had reported earlier that Lawrence’s injury was severe enough to keep him out for a significant stretch, and the team’s decision to place him on injured reserve confirms those concerns. Lawrence, who leads the Cowboys with three sacks so far this season, has been a critical piece of the Dallas pass rush. In addition to his statistical production, the veteran defensive end is a key leader for the team, and his absence will be felt both on and off the field.
Impact on the Cowboys Defense
Lawrence’s injury could not have come at a worse time for the Cowboys defense, which has struggled in the early part of the 2024 season. Entering Week 5, Dallas ranks near the bottom of the league in several key defensive metrics, tied for 27th in points allowed (26.0) per game and ranking 26th in total yards allowed (355.3) per game. With Lawrence sidelined, the Cowboys will face the challenge of improving these numbers without their top pass rusher.
To make matters worse, fellow star pass rusher Micah Parsons is also dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered in Week 4, which threatens his availability for the upcoming games. Parsons, known for his versatility and explosive play, is a crucial component of the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and his potential absence would only add to the team’s defensive woes.
Next Man Up: Young Players and Depth Stepping In
In Lawrence’s absence, the Cowboys will turn to a mix of young players and veterans to fill the void. Second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland is expected to see an increased role on the defensive line. Kneeland has shown flashes of potential early in the season, and this could be a significant opportunity for him to showcase his abilities. The Cowboys will also rely on veterans like Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson, and Tyrus Wheat to step up and provide stability on the edge.
In a corresponding move, Dallas signed defensive end KJ Henry off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on Tuesday. Henry, a promising young pass rusher, will add depth to a defensive line in need of reinforcements. While Henry is not expected to immediately fill the void left by Lawrence, his signing signals the Cowboys’ desire to bolster their pass-rushing rotation in the face of these injuries.
A Tough Road Ahead
The Cowboys, sitting at 2-2, face a tough schedule in the coming weeks, starting with a prime-time matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday night. With Lawrence out and Parsons potentially sidelined, the Cowboys will need to rely on their remaining defensive talent to slow down a strong Pittsburgh offense. The upcoming stretch will be crucial for Dallas as they look to stay competitive in the NFC East while missing key contributors on defense.
Demarcus Lawrence’s leadership, experience, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be sorely missed over the next four weeks. For the Cowboys, the challenge will be finding ways to maintain their defensive identity without their leading sack-getter and one of their most respected veterans. As the season progresses, how Dallas adjusts to these injuries will play a significant role in determining their overall success in 2024.
