Getting back to an even 2-2 record was important for the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants last week. However, it came at the cost of losing their star defensive ends, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

While Parsons is still listed as “week to week” with a high ankle sprain, Lawrence’s injury is more severe. He is dealing with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, but because the bones were not displaced he will not require surgery. Lawrence has dealt with injuries to his feet in the past.

David Moore of The Dallas Morning News says the Cowboys plan to put Lawrence on injured reserve in the coming days. After that, they will elevate Carl Lawson from the practice squad for his third and final elevation before he has to be a member of the active roster to play after Week 5. The team will also host player workouts from outside free agents.

Parsons may not need the same 4-8 week recovery timeline as Lawrence, but on Monday, both pass rushers were seen in walking boots and riding scooters around the team facility.

Expecting Parsons to be ready to face the Pittsburgh Steelers would be wishful thinking, but having him on the field to face the San Francisco 49ers is more realistic. Either way, the Cowboys will be tasked with pushing a giant rock up the hill in this current situation.

Lawson, former third-round pick Chauncey Golston, and rookie Marshawn Kneeland will be first in line to be the starters this weekend in Pittsburgh. Kneeland has shown flashes in limited opportunities, but with Dallas already relying so heavily on their rookie class, it could be a lot to ask from Kneeland.

We will have to wait and see which players the Cowboys bring in for a workout this week. However, the current free-agent pass rushers do not inspire much confidence. Two potential names the team could consider are Shaq Lawson and Anthony Barr.

Barr spent the 2022 season with Dallas and has experience playing for Mike Zimmer when they were with the Minnesota Vikings. Barr is not your traditional defensive end prototype, more of an outside linebacker, but he was a productive pass rusher under Zimmer. They are not players who could excite the fan base, but at this point, it is about doing the most with what Dallas has at their disposal.