In what has already been a challenging season for the Cowboys, the defensive line is facing a critical juncture. DeMarcus Lawrence, one of the team's key defensive players, is grappling with a Lisfranc injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the severity, stating that Lawrence will be sidelined for multiple weeks. While McCarthy refrained from delving into the specifics, he did mention that a second opinion on the injury has been completed. However, he did not confirm whether Lawrence would be placed on injured reserve, leaving his return timeline uncertain.
Adding to the team's woes, linebacker Micah Parsons is also dealing with an ankle sprain that is likely to keep him out of the Week 5 matchup. Parsons expressed his frustration, noting, "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."
Defensive Line Under Siege
The Cowboys' defensive line has been under siege from the onset of the season. Notably, Sam Williams, a promising rotational edge rusher, was lost for the season during training camp. The offseason also saw the departure of seasoned edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in free agency, leaving a visible void in the roster. Consequently, the team will be without their top five edge rushers from last season as they prepare to face the Steelers, a situation that places enormous pressure on the remaining players.
With the absence of key players like Lawrence and Parsons, McCarthy acknowledged the need for immediate roster adjustments. Yet, he emphasized the opportunity this creates for emerging talents. "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.
The Rise of Marshawn Kneeland
Among those expected to step up is rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who will see increased responsibility in the upcoming games. McCarthy spoke highly of Kneeland, stating, "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." The performance of less seasoned players like Kneeland could prove pivotal in determining the Cowboys' defensive effectiveness as the season progresses.
McCarthy did not shy away from acknowledging the adversity the team is facing, noting, "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."
Looking Forward
As the Cowboys face the Steelers, they do so with a defensive roster significantly thinner than anticipated. With their top edge rushers sidelined, the onus falls on new and less experienced players to step up. The outcome of these adjustments will be pivotal, not just for the upcoming game but for the season's trajectory. As the Cowboys navigate these challenges, the effectiveness of their roster changes and the adaptability of their emerging players will be closely scrutinized.
The Cowboys' situation underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where injuries can swiftly alter the course of a season. For now, all eyes will be on how the team manages these setbacks and which players rise to the occasion to keep their defensive line competitive.