The Cowboys’ turnaround this season has mostly come without top defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence. Dallas will now be forced to play without both its starting defensive ends.
Randy Gregory suffered a calf injury during practice Wednesday, and Mike McCarthy confirmed he is set to be sidelined multiple games, Jon Machota of The Athletic tweets. IR is a possibility for Gregory, who has emerged as a key pass rusher after years of suspension trouble.
The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill Wednesday, and a subsequent MRI revealed a calf strain. Gregory has largely done well to stay on the field this season, which comes after the former second-round pick spent much of his career away from the Cowboys due to suspensions. In seven games, Gregory has recorded five sacks and 12 quarterback hits. The seventh-year D-lineman has added a team-high two forced fumbles during what has been a breakthrough season.
Lawrence, who has missed seven games, remains on IR with a broken foot. The Cowboys have the option of moving first-rounder Micah Parsons to defensive end, which they did earlier this season when Gregory landed on the COVID-19 list. Despite playing mostly in an off-ball role, Parsons has matched Gregory’s five sacks. No other Cowboy edge rusher has more than one sack, however.
This certainly stands to hurt the Cowboys, who are coming off a shocking showing against the Broncos. Dallas trailed 30-0 at one point in a two-score loss. Partially on the strength of an improved defense, the Cowboys remain 2.5 games up in the NFC East.
Am I the only one wondering why there are so many calf injuries this season?
Hard to say but the NFLPA mandates on less contact and practices would be a good place to start.