The Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a significant blow with the news that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will be sidelined for 4-8 weeks due to a Lisfranc injury to his right foot. The injury occurred during the third quarter of the Cowboys' 20-15 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.
Lawrence, who was chasing down Giants quarterback Daniel Jones when he planted heavily on his right foot, initially tried to continue playing but eventually sought medical attention. Fortunately, the injury does not require surgery since the bones in his foot were not displaced.
Impact on the Team
The absence of Lawrence is a significant setback for the Cowboys, who are already struggling with defensive consistency. This season, Lawrence had been off to a solid start, accumulating seven solo tackles, 14 total tackles, and 3.0 sacks. The team's defense, which is currently allowing 26 points per game (ranking 24th in the NFL), will need to find alternative solutions to fill the gap left by Lawrence's injury.
As a result, the Cowboys are exploring the possibility of adding another pass rusher to their roster. Defensive ends like Carl Lawson, who has been elevated from the practice squad, and rookies Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston, who stepped in against the Giants, may see increased roles in the coming weeks.
Injury Timeline and Recovery
Lawrence is likely to be placed on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four weeks. His potential return could be either in early or late November. This is not the first time Lawrence has dealt with a significant foot injury; in 2021, he missed 10 games with a broken foot but returned for the final six regular-season games and the wild-card round of the playoffs.
In addition to Lawrence's injury, the Cowboys are also dealing with the status of All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, who suffered a high left ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Giants. Parsons is currently listed as week-to-week and has a chance to return for the Week 5 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
