The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with significant injuries to their defensive line, further complicating their already uphill battle this season. Chief among these setbacks is DeMarcus Lawrence, who is sidelined with a Lisfranc injury. This particular injury, notorious for its severity and lengthy recovery time, was confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy, though he chose not to delve into specifics. "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 stated.
Lawrence's absence creates a sizeable void in the Cowboys' defense. Adding to the concern, standout linebacker Micah Parsons is likely to miss the Week 5 matchup due to an ankle sprain. Parsons, a critical component of the defensive unit, expressed his frustration, saying, "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." His absence, combined with Lawrence's, puts substantial pressure on the remaining players to step up.
McCarthy acknowledged the challenges ahead, pointing to various setbacks that have hit the defensive front. Sam Williams, a crucial rotational edge rusher, was lost for the season even before it began, thanks to an injury during training camp. Furthermore, the departure of experienced edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in free agency has left the defensive roster thinner than anticipated. Consequently, the Cowboys find themselves without their top five edge rushers from last season as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of adapting to these circumstances and recognized the need for immediate roster adjustments. He also highlighted the opportunity this situation presents for less seasoned players. "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," McCarthy explained. Rookie Marshawn Kneeland, now thrust into a larger role, has shown promise in McCarthy’s eyes. "I really like what [I've seen from] Marshawn, just the way he's reacted to everything. You know, every time he gets more responsibility, he just goes about it with the right attitude and great energy," McCarthy remarked.
The strain on the defensive line has been evident since the season's start, with injuries and departures disrupting the team's initial plans. Nonetheless, the resilience and adaptability of the coaching staff and players remain crucial as they navigate these trials. McCarthy's belief in the broader roster's capability is clear, as he stressed the collective effort required in the NFL. "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," he stated.
As the Cowboys gear up for their encounter with the Steelers, the pressure is undeniably on the shoulders of the remaining defensive players. The next few weeks will be pivotal, with the performances of players like Kneeland potentially playing a determining role in the team's defensive effectiveness. The Cowboys' ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will undoubtedly be tested, signaling a period of significant trials but also of potential growth and discovery for their roster.