FRISCO — Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a broken foot and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, according to team sources.
Lawrence was injured training Wednesday on the first day of practice heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 of the regular season.
It’s a huge blow to the Cowboys not only because they are the leader of the defense, on and off the field, but because it is highly unlikely that they will have the other starting defensive end, Randy Gregory, who is cut off from the team by Covid contagion.
Lawrence’s injury also adds to the absences of defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and last draft second-round cornerback Kelvin Joseph, who are on the list of injured by injuries to the elbow and groin, respectively.
Additionally, third-year defensive lineman Trysten Hill remains on the PUP list. He has been injured since Team Organized Activities and minicamps. He wasn’t at practice camp.
The Cowboys face Sunday the team that advanced more than 400 yards (429) total in the win over Washington and that has the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback Justin Herberth, who passed for 337 yards in his first game this season. .
The Chargers had 36:03 minutes of ball possession in front of one of the best defensive lines in the NFL last year, Washington, who were converted by 29 firsts and 10 last Sunday.
The Cowboys have to be creative in how they will replace Lawrence. The only defensive ends listed on his roster with significant playing experience are Doran Armstrong, who had a very good preseason, which included two sacks against the Arizona Cardinals in the second exhibition game, and Tarell Basham. The two combined for 51 plays against Tampa Bay.
Behind them are Bradlee Anae and Azur Kamara; the first drafted in the 2020 draft and the second rookie, one of the biggest upsets of preseason camp to stay on the active roster.
