DeMarcus Lawrence is reportedly suffering from a Lisfranc injury, which will sideline him for multiple weeks. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the severity of Lawrence's condition, but chose not to elaborate on the specific details. "The specifics of it, I think that's more for him to answer. I know the second opinion is complete. So it's gonna be multiple weeks," McCarthy commented, indicating the prolonged absence the team must now brace for.
In addition to Lawrence's misfortune, the Cowboys are also grappling with further injury woes. Micah Parsons is battling an ankle sprain and is likely to miss their Week 5 clash. Expressing his frustration, Parsons said, "It's just frustrating for real. I put a lot of effort and energy into being ready for the team, so it hurts me. I feel like I'm letting people down. I kind of [thought] of myself as [being] invincible for a while. It's humbling. It's humbling. It's part of that test. Faith, keeping that faith alive. Come back strong."
The Cowboys' defensive line has been beleaguered by adversity since the beginning of the season. Sam Williams, a noteworthy rotational edge rusher, was lost for the season during training camp. Compounding this issue further, the departures of experienced edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in free agency have left the Cowboys' defensive roster significantly thinner than expected as they head into their matchup with the Steelers without their top five edge rushers from last season.
With Lawrence and Parsons sidelined, enormous pressure now falls on the remaining players to step up. One of those players is rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who will now shoulder increased responsibility in the upcoming games. Coach McCarthy had positive remarks about Kneeland's adaptability and attitude, stating, "I really like what [I've seen from] Marshawn, just the way he's reacted to everything. You know, every time he gets more responsibility, he just goes about it with the right attitude and great energy."
McCarthy acknowledged the need for immediate roster adjustments, a situation the team is actively addressing. "So, it creates a great opportunity for others. And that's really our approach. And, obviously, we have to make some roster adjustments. We're still kinda working through that," he remarked.
Despite the uphill battle, McCarthy remains hopeful about the contributions of less seasoned players. "It's definitely the unfortunate part of our game. Definitely tougher with those two guys being on our football team and especially being in the same position. But this is what this game is all about. This is what this league is all about. It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in, week out," he concluded, emphasizing the team’s reliance on its depth and resilience.
The Cowboys' defense is in a precarious position and will undoubtedly be tested in the following weeks. However, this adversity might reveal the mettle and potential of their less experienced players, paving the way for unexpected heroes.