The Dallas Cowboys secured a win against the New York Giants, but it came at a significant cost. DeMarcus Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games, with speculation suggesting he could be out longer. In contrast, Micah Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain, leaving his return uncertain after the upcoming bye week.
Lawrence’s injury occurred in the third quarter, and while he won’t require surgery, his absence complicates matters for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The restructuring of Lawrence’s contract this past March made him a key figure on the defensive line, and losing him will have repercussions.
Following the injuries to their star defenders, Jerry Jones mentioned that the Cowboys are actively looking to bolster their roster by scouting practice squads across the league. The urgency is clear, especially with tough games against the Steelers and Lions on the horizon.
The Cowboys’ defense has struggled recently, particularly against the run, and the loss of both Lawrence and Parsons poses a significant challenge. The team has signed Kj Henry off the Bengals’ practice squad to help fill the gap. A fifth-round pick in 2023, Henry brings some experience but has seen limited action this season.
With Henry joining the mix, other players like Chauncey Golston and rookie Marshawn Kneeland will need to step up and take on larger roles. Kneeland has shown promise, and now he’ll have a chance to prove himself earlier than expected in his rookie campaign.
The Cowboys may also consider bringing back former player Randy Gregory, who is currently a free agent and could provide an immediate boost if he can stay healthy and contribute effectively.
The upcoming game against the Steelers will be critical. A win would help the Cowboys enter their bye week at .500, an important milestone considering their defensive struggles. Meanwhile, the Lions’ offense has been performing exceptionally well, raising concerns about how Dallas will fare without its top defenders.
While fans may be feeling pessimistic, declaring the season over seems premature. The offense, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, has the potential to keep the team competitive. However, they need to step up their performance to alleviate pressure on a depleted defense.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will need a strategy focused on a bend-but-don’t-break defense. They might give up yards, but if they can limit opponents to field goals instead of touchdowns, they stand a better chance of staying in games.
The offense also needs to adapt, moving away from a struggling running game to utilize the passing game more effectively. This is easier said than done, but adjustments will be crucial for the Cowboys to remain competitive in the coming weeks.