FRISCO — Since Week 2, the Dallas Cowboys' defense has spent most of the season seemingly treading water. What looked to be one of the NFL's most formidable units once again after the season opener was quickly humbled in consecutive home appearances with noncompetitive efforts on that side of the ball.
The transition from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer turned out more difficult than most assumed. Dallas' growing pains can be seen in the numbers with the Cowboys' ranking seventh in total yards allowed per game (359.7) and second in points-per-game (28.3).
But the reasoning for some of the lackluster results can be chalked up to more than just the numbers. The Cowboys have sifted through an abundance of injuries this season, especially on the defensive front. Going back to before preseason games started, Sam Williams tore his ACL at training camp and has since missed the season entirely.
While this theme has ravaged Dallas both offensively and defensively, the true inflection point came in Week 4 when both bookends of the defensive front, DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, sustained injuries against the New York Giants.
Zimmer's group had to proceed forward without their young superstar and their most tenured veteran in the lineup. Parsons has since made his return and taken over the team lead in sacks, reminding the significance of his on-field impact.
However, Lawrence has missed the last eight games and become almost a forgotten piece of the 2024 campaign. The team of course hopes to have him back as soon as possible.
Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gave an update during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, saying that a return this week is “probably a long shot” but “not out of the question.
"I certainly expect to see him sooner than later," he added. Lawrence is on the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, likely to hit the free agent market this offseason.
The veteran had a strong start to the season before his injury, tallying three sacks in his four games. A return may not change the direction of this season for the Cowboys, but this defensive would certainly be at their strongest with him back in action.
