...
By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed win on Thursday Night Football, though it was at the cost of their two most important defensive players. Defensive edges Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were both hurt. Lawrence suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, and Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain.
Read more: Cowboys' Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence Out for Weeks With Significant Injuries
Initially, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated that Parsons' injury was far less severe than Lawrence's, which has now been proven true. Instead of allowing Lawrence to prematurely return, Dallas is placing the pass rusher on IR.
Read More on NFL
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, "The #Cowboys are putting DE DeMarcus Lawrence on IR today due to his foot injury. He will be out at least four games. A very tough blow for Dallas, who will also likely be without Micah Parsons for at least a game."
Lawrence will now be out for the next four games at least, meaning he will be eligible to return in Week 9 when the Cowboys take on the Atlanta Falcons. To make matters worse, Parsons is likely not going to suit up for Week 5 as well.
...
The Cowboys will be without their top two defensive stars for Week 5, and Lawrence will have to sit out for three more games after that.
McCarthy has yet to offer a clear update on Parsons, but it sounds like he may return to play in Week 6. That would be huge for the Cowboys defense, but the coaching staff might also not want to rush him along.
Losing Lawrence for weeks is already bad enough, but if Parsons were to re-aggravate his ankle injury, he might have to be placed on IR as well.
The Cowboys have been getting hit hard with injuries on defense. Sam Williams was lost for the season after tearing his ACL. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was recently placed on IR, and now Lawrence joins that list.
Current Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was already being scrutinized for the way the defense had been performing. They were able to step up and stop the Giants' defense from scoring anything more than one touchdown, but it cost the team two defensive stars.
More news: Cowboys May Be Without Star Micah Parsons For Crucial Steelers Matchup
Zimmer will not enter Week 5 with a far less dynamic pass rush. Hopefully, he can get the team going so that the Cowboys can continue climbing in the NFC East. The Washington Commanders are currently in first place with a 3-1 record.
If the Cowboys lose next week, they might be facing a reality where they have to fight even harder to secure a wildcard spot in the playoffs.
For more on the Cowboys and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines