IRVING, Texas – Other than facing a former Cowboys Pro Bowl running back this week on the other side, the biggest news for this team centers on a pair of injuries.
And that's why Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence found himself a popular figure on Wednesday once reporters were allowed in the locker room. With Randy Gregory out a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain, it leaves Lawrence as the Cowboys' most dynamic pass-rushing defensive end.
But it seems more focus was placed on Dez Bryant, who will be out anywhere from four to eight weeks with a foot injury that needed surgery. While no injury is the same, it was at least very similar to the one Lawrence had last year at training camp, which forced him to miss the first half of the season.
The injuries are similar, but one of the biggest differences is how the Cowboys are handling the issue. Lawrence was placed on short-term injured reserve, which is a minimum absence of eight weeks. Lawrence returned for the ninth game and played the second half of the season.
The Cowboys have elected not to put Bryant on the same list, obviously hopeful the star receiver can return before that.
On Wednesday, Lawrence said his mindset wasn't the same as Bryant's because of their expected return dates.[embeddedad0]
"I knew I was going to be out for eight weeks anyway when they put me on IR," Lawrence said. "I was just listening to them, getting treatment, lifting weights and trying to get stronger. The hardest part of the process is just waiting."
Lawrence said he thought he could've returned in "six or seven weeks" had he not been placed on IR.
"It's really not tough. It's just staying after it and staying focused," Lawrence said of the rehab. "I went through the process of getting over the injury. You just have to hit the ground running. I don't feel like he's going to have any setbacks. I know I didn't. I feel like he's going to be OK."
