Cowboys 'getting excited' about third-round pick out of Iowa

The Dallas Cowboys have high hopes for third-round pick defensive end Chauncey Golston from Iowa.

“We’re getting really excited about him,” Dallas VP Stephen Jones said regarding Chauncey Golston on 105.3 The Fan. “He’s certainly come a long way in a short time. He’s making big strides and we think he’s gonna make some huge contributions for us pretty early.”

Dallas is in desperate need of help at the defensive end position with star pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence out for an extended period due to a broken foot. With depth issues and injuries to Lawrence, the third-round pick Chauncey Golston could see action in the coming weeks.

Chauncey Golston was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a five-year career at Iowa. After redshirting in 2016, Golston recorded 129 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in four seasons of action.

As a senior, Golston earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors and honorable mention All-America by Phil Steele. In eight games in 2020, Chauncey Golston recorded 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

With Lawrence injured and starting defensive end Randy Gregory out Sunday with COVID-19, Chauncey Golston could get his first chance to contribute for the Cowboys against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

DeMarcus Lawrence out for extended period

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a broken foot in practice on Wednesday, the star pass rusher could return this season, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

“DeMarcus Lawrence broke the fifth-metatarsal in his foot and will need surgery, source said,” Rapoport said. “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. 

Lawrence’s injury opens up opportunities for rookie linebacker Micah Parsons to move down to defensive end situationally, and for rookie defensive end Chauncey Golston from Iowa.

DeMarcus Lawrence’s injury is more unfortunate news for the Cowboys who lost 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. 

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. 

“Cowboys activating All-Pro RG Zack Martin and backup G/T Brandon Knight from Reserve/COVID-19,” reported Gehlken. “Both back in building today. To make room, DE Randy Gregory added to Reserve/COVID-19, putting his Sunday status vs. Chargers in question. WR Michael Gallup (calf) to injured reserve.”