The Cowboys’ second win of the season came with a few defeats. Injuries to edge runners Micah Parsons And DeMarcus Lawrence dampened an otherwise victorious Thursday night against the division rival Giants. While the worst-case scenario was certainly avoidable, both situations appear to be worse than initially expected, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.

Parsons was the victim of a high ankle sprain. After leaving Thursday night’s matchup in the fourth quarter, Parsons saw negative X-rays immediately after the game. An MRI revealed the sprain, and although there was initial hope that Parsons could take advantage of a 10-day break until the next game and return, the star defender will be out two to four weeks. With Parsons being such an important player on defense, it stands to reason that Dallas would approach his return slowly, play it safe and wait until after their Week 7 bye to bring him back.

Lawrence’s injury immediately appeared to be worse than Parsons’, an assessment later confirmed by the head coach Mike McCarthy. An MRI today revealed a metatarsal sprain in Lawrence’s right foot, but the prognosis wasn’t announced until a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pegged Lawrence’s recovery time at at least four weeks.

According to Watkins, McCarthy made it clear that both players would seek a second opinion on their situation. However, if both situations maintain their current form, Lawrence becomes a sure candidate for injured reserve. Given plans to reevaluate Lawrence in four weeks, it makes perfect sense to place him on IR and fill his roster spot with someone who can play now.

With Sam Williams And Durrell Johnson already on IR and Tire wheat With the Cowboys dealing with injuries, the Cowboys’ defensive strength will certainly be tested in the coming weeks. Adding Parsons and Lawrence to the unavailable list leaves just two healthy defensive players on the roster: Chauncey Golston And Marshawn Kneeland.

Kneeland, a second-round rookie out of Western Michigan, will receive a baptism of fire. He has primarily served as a rotational rusher in the first few games of the season, but will likely be tested a lot more in the future. Golston is in a contract year with the Cowboys after being drafted in the third round out of Iowa in 2021. He was also primarily a rotational pass rusher during his three years with the team, recording three starts and 4.5 sacks during that time.

Given the lack of strength on the edge, the Cowboys will likely continue to look for new players to add to the defense, something the team has done since Williams was lost in July. They hosted free agent pass rushers Carl Lawson, Shaka Toney, Al-Quadin MuhammadAnd Justin Hollins Before the season he finally signed Lawson to the practice squad. In times of need, they may call upon some familiar names.