The Dallas Cowboys find themselves grappling with significant adversity on their defensive line, as injuries continue to plague key players. DeMarcus Lawrence is reportedly dealing with a Lisfranc injury, sidelining him for an unspecified extended period. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the severity of Lawrence's injury, though he refrained from providing specific details. "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 said.
The past few weeks have been tough for the Cowboys' defensive unit, as injuries and departures have severely diminished their depth. Star player Micah Parsons is also battling an ankle sprain and is likely to miss the Week 5 clash. Parsons expressed his frustration, stating, "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."
Adding to the challenges, the Cowboys lost a noteworthy rotational edge rusher, Sam Williams, for the season during training camp. The free agency saw experienced edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong depart, leaving the defensive roster thinner than initially expected. As a result, the Cowboys will be without their top five edge rushers from last season when they face the Steelers.
Rising Pressure and New Responsibilities
With Lawrence and Parsons sidelined, the pressure mounts on the remaining players. Rookie Marshawn Kneeland is set to take on increased responsibility in the upcoming games. McCarthy had positive remarks about the rookie's adaptability and attitude. "I really like what [I've seen from] Marshawn, just the way he's reacted to everything. You know, every every time he gets more responsibility, he just goes about it with the right attitude and great energy," said McCarthy.
McCarthy also highlighted the need for immediate roster adjustments. "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 commented. The performance of less seasoned players like Kneeland could play a crucial role in determining the Cowboys' defensive effectiveness going forward.
The Bigger Picture
As the Cowboys navigate these turbulent times, the adversity they face underscores the inherent unpredictability of the sport. McCarthy reflected on this, stating, "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." The next few weeks will be telling for the Cowboys as they adjust to their new realities and strive to remain competitive despite the odds stacked against them.
The Cowboys' strategy will now pivot towards leveraging the depth and adaptability of their roster. The team’s ability to make effective roster adjustments and integrate less experienced players into key roles will be crucial. As McCarthy emphasized, the collective efforts and resilience of the entire squad will be essential to their success in the coming weeks.