DeMarcus Lawrence‘s leverage play delayed his shoulder surgery until this week, with the Pro Bowl defensive end set to go under the knife Wednesday. But it will be a bit before he returns to action.
The recently extended standout will not be ready for the start of training camp and will not play in the preseason, Lawrence confirmed during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show (via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
Jerry Jones confirmed Lawrence’s recovery will take between four and six months. The Cowboys will open their season in around five months, making it uncertain they will have Lawrence for Week 1. While Lawrence could be ready for camp, if this rehab process goes exceedingly well, it is extremely unlikely he suits up by that point given how long this operation was delayed.
Lawrence has dealt with labrum trouble for years. This surgery will prevent further damage, which could have ended up with Lawrence on IR in 2019.
For what it’s worth, the 26-year-old defender said this shoulder trouble was not on par with the back issues he experienced earlier in his career. His back problems contributed to the Cowboys franchise-tagging him in 2018, but after another season of health (relatively) and double-digit sacks, the team made Lawrence a priority and signed him to a five-year deal.
Possibly an odd question… If Lawrence had decided to have the surgery before he signed, who would have paid for it? If it would have been his financial responsibility, that might be a large part of the reason why he was using the procedure as “leverage.”
I wonder if there is a provision in his contract that voids if he doesn’t recover from the surgery.
It’s crazy that the Cowboys gave Lawrence so much money up front. His surgery could go so-so, the injury could re-occur (especially as everyone and his dog knows where Lawrence is physically weak now – some of the tackles or tight end in the division whom Lawrence has embarassed wouldn’t mind testing his recovery hard). There’s a good chance the Cowboys have paid $35 million for five games at half strength.
Jerry Jones said he didn’t want to set a bad precedent but seems to me that is exactly what he has done. Now other owners will have to pony up the big bucks before their players undergo surgery too. It’s a high risk gamble as you stated.
It’s all stupidity on Dallas’ part. DeMarcus has an injury history without the toughness and fight to play through them. Only during contract years does DeMarcus give a damn. Now that he got his money, he’ll nurse his injuries, and mail it in on the field. Giving him an extension was a big mistake on the Jones’ part. This is another example of why Dallas hasn’t been to a Super Bowl in 20+ years. Quinn will have more sacks than Lawrence Next season. Book It!