Report: Cowboys preparing to be without two starters vs Chargers

The Dallas Cowboys are proceeding to their matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers under the assumption that Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory will not suit up on Sunday.

“Cowboys are proceeding on assumption they will face LA Chargers Sunday without starting DEs DeMarcus Lawrence & Randy Gregory, sources said,” David Moore of Dallas Morning News said. “Lawrence hurt his foot in Wednesday’s practice & Gregory is on COVID list. Dallas was one of only 2 teams without a sack in Week 1.”

DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a foot injury in Wednesday’s practice and was listed as a limited participant. Gregory was added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

“Randy Gregory tested positive for COVID-19, but he is asymptomatic, source said,” Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken said. “Needs to produce two consecutive negative tests, 24 hours apart, while being asymptomatic in order to gain clearance. A chance. Gregory was team’s Week 1 defensive captain vs. Buccaneers.”

Though the Cowboys defense did not record a sack, Lawrence and Gregory had productive season-opening performances in the Cowboys’ loss to the reigning Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. DeMarcus Lawrence recorded five tackles, while Gregory recovered a fumble. 

Without DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, it’s likely the Cowboys fail to record a sack once again against the Los Angeles Chargers’ potent offense.

 In the Chargers’ season-opening 20-16 win over Washington, quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 337 yards, one touchdown and one interception against a touch Washington defense. The Chargers rushed for 90 yards, with Austin Ekeler leading the way with 57 yards.

The Cowboys also lost wide receiver Michael Gallup to a calf injury suffered in the season opener and was placed on injured reserve. Offensive tackle La’El Collins was suspended for five games after violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

“Collins has been tested roughly 10 times a month over the past 18 months, and, according to sources, has not tested positive for marijuana once between Oct. 21, 2020 and Aug. 11, 2021,” reported CBS Sports. “However, Collins has been cited seven times for ‘failure to appear’ for testing, although often with mitigating circumstances, according to sources.”

In a batch of good news for the Cowboys this week, perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin is back with the team following his absence after testing positive with COVID-19. Martin’s return will help improve quarterback Dak Prescott’s offensive line after an impressive return to the NFL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.