FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys may be without their top two defensive linemen when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 6.
An MRI on Friday confirmed edge rusher Micah Parsons suffered a left ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys’ 20-15 win over the New York Giants on Thursday, while defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a midfoot sprain that could rule him out. It is done. For several weeks, according to sources.
This is a huge blow to a defense that struggled in losses to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens but gave up just 24 of 26 yards against the Giants.
“D-Law is worse than Micah,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I don’t have a specific timeline, but we’ll probably get into it a little deeper on Monday. But I do know that there will be a second opinion involving these two people. They’re worse than we expected.”
Parsons and Lawrence are the Cowboys’ top two pass rushers. Lawrence leads the Cowboys with three sacks this season, while Parsons has recorded at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons.
Parsons was injured while rushing the passer in the middle of the Giants’ line. He was engaged by center John Michael Schmitz Jr. when guard Greg Van Roten fell on the back of Parsons’ legs. Parsons was treated by medical staff before limping off. Eventually, he was transported on a cart for an X-ray.
After the game, he rode a golf cart to the team bus.
Parsons has missed just one game in his career (2021, COVID-19). Lawrence has played in 38 consecutive games.
Lawrence suffered the injury while chasing Daniel Jones in the third quarter and quickly came to a stop when the quarterback changed direction. He limped off the field and went to the locker room. He returned to the sideline but did not return to the game. After the game he said the injury was not related to a foot fracture he suffered early in his career.
Without Parsons and Lawrence, the Cowboys finished Thursday’s game with rookies Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston on defense. Over the past two weeks, they promoted veteran Carl Lawson from the practice squad. Tyrus Wheat is on the 53-man roster but has been inactive for the past two games.
Losing two key defenders is not the best way to start a difficult season. After the Steelers, the Cowboys have important NFC games against the Detroit Lions (October 13) and San Francisco 49ers (October 27), with a bye week in between.
