Cowboys reveal timeline for DeMarcus Lawrence return to action

Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence had surgery on his broken foot on Thursday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys head coach said he expects him to return this season, as Lawrence’s timetable is 6-8 weeks.

While many debate whether it’s a season ender, McCarthy believes otherwise. Nevertheless, it’s a huge blow for the Cowboys defense.

Yesterday, Lawrence suffered the broken foot in practice, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“DeMarcus Lawrence broke the fifth-metatarsal in his foot and will need surgery, source said,” Rapoport tweeted. “If all goes well, he should be back in November. A big loss, but not season-ending.”

Though the Cowboys defense did not record a sack in their season-opening loss to Tampa Bay, DeMarcus Lawrence recorded five tackles against the reigning Super Bowl Champions.

Moreover, Lawrence is in his eighth NFL season. In his career, Lawrence has recorded 305 tackles and 45.5 sacks.

Lawrence’s best season came in 2017, recording 58 tackles and 14.5 sacks. In his career, Lawrence has earned two Pro Bowl invitations in 2017 and 2018. Lawrence earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.

More Cowboys Injuries

Lawrence’s injury is more unfortunate news for the Cowboys ,who lost wide receiver Michael Gallup and offensive tackle La’El Collins for an extended period.

Gallup was placed on injured reserve after suffering a calf injury in the season opener. 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.”

Starting defensive end Randy Gregory will likely miss the Cowboys week two matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers after testing positive for COVID-19

“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.”

On3’s Tim Verghese contributed to this article.