Dallas will be without its leading sack-getter for at least the next four games.
Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, who suffered a foot injury during their win over the New York Giants on Sept. 26, was placed on injured reserve, the team announced.
Tuesday's news isn't much of a surprise as NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Lawrence's foot injury was expected to take him out for at least four weeks.
Lawrence's three sacks (five QB hits; 10 pressures) on the season leads the team, but the veteran's leadership presence is an absence that won't show on any stat sheet. Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons also suffered an ankle sprain in Week 4 and it's threatening his immediate availability, adding even more cause for concern for a Cowboys defense that has gotten off to a rough start in 2024.
The Cowboys rank T-27th in points allowed (26.0) and 26th in yards allowed per game (355.3) entering Week 5. Second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland should see a bigger role in Lawrence's absence, with veterans Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat remaining on the depth chart at defensive end.
The team also announced the signing of KJ Henry off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad on Tuesday.
Dallas (2-2) heads to Pittsburgh (3-1) this week for a prime-time matchup on Sunday night.
