The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tough blow with reports indicating that star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is likely headed to injured reserve (IR). Lawrence, a key figure in the Cowboys’ defense, has been dealing with a lingering injury, and it appears the team may decide to sideline him temporarily to allow for proper recovery. However, there’s a twist that could affect the decision.
Sources close to the situation suggest that while Lawrence is dealing with a nagging injury, the Cowboys are weighing their options carefully. Under the current NFL rules, players placed on injured reserve can return after a minimum of four weeks. This gives teams some flexibility, but the Cowboys must decide whether Lawrence’s injury truly warrants that extended time off, or if he could potentially recover sooner and avoid the IR designation.
The catch here lies in the nature of Lawrence’s injury. While the exact details haven’t been made public, it’s been described as one that can heal relatively quickly if managed properly. The Cowboys are hopeful that a combination of rest and limited practice could bring him back in action sooner than the four-week period required for IR. This leaves the team with a strategic decision: to place Lawrence on IR and guarantee a four-week absence or try to nurse him along week-to-week, hoping for a faster recovery.
For a player of Lawrence’s caliber, missing several games could have a significant impact on the Cowboys’ defensive front. As one of the most important pass rushers on the team, Lawrence’s presence on the field opens up opportunities for other defenders and helps anchor a defense that has had its ups and downs. His absence could put extra pressure on players like Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., and Dorance Armstrong to step up and fill the void.
On the other hand, the Cowboys must consider the long-term implications. Rushing Lawrence back onto the field before he’s fully healed could risk re-aggravating the injury, potentially sidelining him for an even longer period. It’s a delicate balance between ensuring short-term success and protecting one of their key defensive pieces for the long haul.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and the medical staff are reportedly closely monitoring Lawrence’s condition over the next few days before making a final decision. The team’s upcoming schedule, which includes pivotal divisional matchups, only complicates matters further.
If Lawrence does go on injured reserve, the Cowboys will likely lean more on their defensive depth. Rookie defensive end Viliami Fehoko, who has shown flashes in limited action, could see more opportunities, along with other rotational players stepping up to keep the defensive line productive.
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