Cowboys DeMarcus Lawrence injury status updated

The NFL has listed Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is no longer on the PUP list, and is cleared to return to practice. Recovering from a back procedure, Lawrence has passed his physical and is ready to play.

Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence Returning to play

The Cowboys are eager to get Lawrence back onto the field as training camp has begun in full. Lawrence was designated Active/PUP on the injury report and counted to the 90-man roster despite not being available. Over the offseason he had a clean-up procedure performed on his back that kept him from practice. Up until passing his physical, he has been completing rehab with team staff.

It had been unclear if he would be available for the season opener with Tampa Bay, a fear that has since been calmed. The news is great for a Cowboys defense looking to improve on a disappointing 2020 season. Since 2016 he has averaged over nine sacks per season, and 12.5 tackles for a loss. The two-time Pro Bowler posted a career year in 2016 when he amassed 14.5 sacks on the year.

This is the third surgery that Lawrence has undergone for his back, but their isn’t major cause for concern according to the Cowboys staff. With his return to action, the Cowboys still have three players listed on the Active/PUP list including star receiver Amari Cooper. Lawrence hopes to be joined by his fellow defensive linemen Chauncey Golston and Trysten Hill as they remain out.

Dallas Defense

With the addition of DeMarcus Lawrence back into the defense, Dallas can begin the improvement process for their team. The Cowboys were the 10th worst defense in the league by yardage in 2020, and their secondary is ranked nearly last in pre-season rankings. The pass rush needs to improve in order to make everybody’s job easier. Despite the issues, the Cowboys still managed 31 sacks on the year. With an improving secondary, they expect to improve on the low ranking 10 interceptions.

Lawrence himself made an impact regardless of the team’s problems. He forced four fumbles in 2020, tied for third best in the league. Additionally, he tallied 41 solo tackles which ranked him fourth among defenders. However, with only 6.5 sacks to go along with these numbers, Lawrence finished the season missing the Pro Bowl for a second straight year. If he can return to his 2016 form, Dallas has plenty of reason to celebrate his return from the PUP list.

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