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Report: Cowboys' DeMarcus Lawrence Out 6-8 Weeks with Broken Foot Injury
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a broken foot during the team's Wednesday practice, per Joe Trahan of WFAA and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Jane Slater of NFL Network reported Lawrence is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks:
Mike McCarthy told ESPN's Todd Archer that Lawrence is expected to return this season after undergoing surgery on Thursday.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News previously reported that there was "real concern" that Lawrence—who was listed as a limited participant on the Cowboys' practice report—could miss his team's game Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers.
After the news broke, Lawrence took to social media to let fans know he'll be "ready for war" when he returns:
The 29-year-old emerged as one of the NFL's most productive edge-rushers with 25 sacks between 2017 and 2018, which led the Cowboys to give him a five-year, $105 million contract extension in 2019. His production dipped over the last two seasons with just 11.5 sacks across 32 appearances, though.
He recorded five tackles (three solo) in the Cowboys' 31-29 season-opening loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
Injuries played a role in the sluggish start to his career. His rookie season in 2014 got off to a late start after he suffered a broken foot during training camp, limiting him to seven games. He also dealt with a lingering back injury in 2016 after serving a four-game suspension. He's played all 16 games in four straight years.
With the star lineman out indefinitely, Tarell Basham should see the biggest uptick in playing time in the team's front seven. Dorance Armstrong and Bradlee Anae are the other options for more snaps.
Dallas could also be without its other starting defensive end in Randy Gregory, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.
Ultimately, Lawrence is one of the Cowboys' most valuable players, especially in an era when getting after the opposing quarterback is such a vital element of success. Losing him will be a massive setback for the team's defense.