Cowboys' woes get worse with somber update on DeMarcus Lawrence injury

The Dallas Cowboys' season could get a lot worse before it gets better as star defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrene are set to miss an extended period of time with ankle and foot injuries, respectively.

Parsons is considered week-to-week with the high-ankle sprain he suffered in Thursday's win over the Giants, so he could return earlier than expected. That would be a godsend for Dallas, but both injuries are worse than what the team initially feared, per Mike McCarthy.

The Cowboys have still yet to determine Parsons and Lawrence's respective timelines, but an update on the latter from over the weekend suggests that dark times are ahead.

Lawrence is dealing with a Lisfranc injury, per ESPN's Todd Archer. The silver lining is that Lawrence's bones weren't displaced so he won't need surgery. However, he could miss up to two months (4-8 weeks) and will likely be placed on injured reserve.

Cowboys likely to place DeMarcus Lawrence on IR with Lisfranc injury

While it's a relief that Lawrence's injury isn't season-ending, can the Cowboys survive a month (at least) without the four-time Pro Bowler? One of the most underrated defenders in the NFL and by far Dallas' strongest run defender, Lawrence checked in at No. 12 in PFF's EDGE rankings before the season.

The 2023 season was arguably the best of Lawrence's career and he got off to a hot start this campaign before his injury. He has already accumulated three sacks - one less than what he had all of last season - four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and seven defensive stops.

Lawrence has never been a high volume pass rusher, but it is virtually impossible to replicate what he brings to the table as a two-way player. Without Lawrence and Parsons, the Cowboys will likely start rookie Marshawn Kneeland and vet Chauncey Golston.

While Kneeland and Golston are both plus run defenders, they offer virtually zero upside as pass rushers.

That's where Carl Lawson factors into the equation. Lawson has been elevated from the practice squad in Weeks 3 and 4, meaning he has one elevation left before he must be signed to the active roster. Lawson got 22 snaps against the Giants and while he logged two hurries, he jumped offsides on a third and long and missed a tackle.

The Cowboys are most certainly looking at external options. A trade is their best bet to find a starting-caliber player because the free agent market is shriveled.

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