Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence injury: Jerry Jones addresses potential roster moves on defense

The Dallas Cowboys (2-2) will be without star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence for the foreseeable future after both suffered injuries in last Thursday’s 20-15 Week 4 road win over the New York Giants (1-3).

With two of its defensive leaders sidelined, Dallas needs others to step up. Based on team owner Jerry Jones’ comments on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, it appears the Cowboys will be leaning on internal options to help replace the production of Parsons and Lawrence, rather than seeking external help.

“We’re fortunate to have these young guys to step up here,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.

The next men up in the Cowboys’ front seven are Marshawn Kneeland, Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson. The trio have combined for one sack this season. Kneeland, the second-round pick out of Western Michigan, is hopeful they can deliver with Parsons and Lawrence out of the lineup.

“We know we got to step up for our boys,” Kneeland said. “We know that seeing them go down, obviously none of us wanted that to happen. Now we all got to come together and play for each other.”

Cowboys planning to be without Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence in Week 5

Lawrence is dealing with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot and likely headed to injured reserve. While the injury does not require surgery, he will be sidelined for 4-8 weeks.

Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain in the fourth quarter after Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten fell on his leg while he was rushing the passer. He was seen in a boot and on a scooter at practice on Monday, according to Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. Parsons, who has missed just one game over the duration of his career, described the injury as “humbling.”

“It’s just frustrating, for real,” Parsons said Monday. “You put a lot of energy into getting ready and being there for the team, so being out, this hurts me because I’m letting people down. I’m just letting people down. I figured myself invincible for a while.

“It’s humbling. Part of the test that I was talking about. It’s faith. Gotta come back strong.”

The Cowboys play on the road in Week 5 this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1).