FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys defensive end depth thinned on Wednesday. Starting right defensive end Randy Gregory is currently on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and the team suffered another blow. Starting left defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence exited practice early on Wednesday after suffering a broken foot. He is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
A major setback to a unit that was already short-handed. If Gregory is not available on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas will lean on Dorance Armstrong. Armstrong had an impressive training camp causing fits for blockers and notched two tackles in Week 1 on 27 snaps. Tarell Basham will step up on the left side of the line in place of Lawrence. He played 24 snaps last week and came out of the matchup with two tackles.
The Cowboys defensive front did not record a sack last week on Tom Brady and the unit could potentially be without both starters come Sunday. Not a favorable turn of events as the Cowboys hit the road to take on the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in Justin Herbert and his supporting cast in Week 2.
Gregory could be activated from the COVID list between now and Sunday if he produces two negative tests, while being asymptomatic. However, a positive result is not guaranteed. Once again, a shuffle ensues on the defensive line.
