DeMarcus Lawrence injury update: Stephen Jones reveals expected status for Week 14 vs. Bengals

Dallas Cowboys (5-7) defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has been sidelined since Week 4 with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, and it doesn’t appear a return is expected to come in Week 14.

Speaking Monday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones called Lawrence a “long shot” to play in Monday’s Week 14 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals (4-8).

“Probably a long shot for Monday night, but it’s not out of the question,” Jones said, via the team’s official website.

Lawrence, 32, was placed on injured reserve after the Week 4 win over the New York Giants (2-10). The initial recovery timeline was four to eight weeks, and Lawrence has been working in the rehab group at Cowboys’ practice since Nov. 21.

DeMarcus Lawrence inching closer to Cowboys return?

Team owner Jerry Jones said this past Friday that Lawrence would “more than likely” be ready to roll versus Cincinnati. While Jerry Jones may have been premature with his declaration, Stephen Jones still believes a return is imminent.

“We’ll see how this week goes,” Stephen Jones said. … “If anyone can pull it off it would be [Lawrence]. … I certainly expect to see him sooner than later.”

The veteran defender was off to a fast start before sustaining the injury, recording 3.0 sacks and 14 tackles (seven solo) in four games. Dallas’ defense struggled through its five-game losing streak but has picked up its play in the past two weeks in victories over the Washington Commanders (8-5) and Giants.

With an outside shot of making the playoffs, Lawrence’s return would be a huge lift to the Cowboys.

“I respect D-Law on many fronts, but the biggest one of all is he wants to play the game,” Stephen Jones said. “… A lot of guys want it to be just right before they get back out there, he’s one of those that if he feels like there’s any way he can go, he’s going to suit up to go play football.”