Demarcus Lawrence, additional Cowboys defender status in doubt
The Dallas Cowboys could be without two of their best pass rushers on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers as DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a foot injury in Wednesday’s practice and Randy Gregory’s status is a question due to COVID-19.
“Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a foot injury in Wednesday’s practice and was listed as a limited participant,” ESPN’s Todd Archer said. “Add Randy Gregory’s potential absence due to COVID and the Cowboys’ pass rush would look a lot different Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.”
Lawrence and Gregory had productive season-opening performances in the Cowboys’ loss to the reigning Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lawrence recorded five tackles, while Gregory recovered a fumble.
In DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory’s absence, the Cowboys will need former Kansas standout end Dorance Armstrong and five-year veteran Terell Basham to step up. The Cowboys could also see rookie linebacker Micah Parsons step up in pass rushing situations, given Parsons’ experience rushing the passer in high school and college.
The Dallas Cowboys struggled to stop the Buccaneers offense in the loss as Tom Brady threw for 379 yards and three recievers had over 90 receiving yards.
Entering week two, the Cowboys face another potent offense in the Los Angeles Chargers. In the Chargers’ season-opening 20-16 win over Washington, quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 337 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Chargers rushed for 90 yards, with Austin Ekeler leading the way with 57 yards.
Without DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, the Cowboys could struggle once again defensively, as they look to notch their first win of the season on Sunday.
Zack Martin returns for Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys activated one of their key players Monday from the injured reserve list, only to lose another offensive weapon in his place. Zack Martin was activated and is back to practice, while receiver Michael Gallup is placed on injured reserve for a calf injury sustained on Thursday, reported Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken.
“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.”
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. Martin’s return will help improve quarterback Dak Prescott’s offensive line after an impressive return to the NFL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.