Cowboys' Defense Will Now Start Season Minus Two DeMarcuses

At least we know the Cowboys’ offensive line can shove folks around.

First it was rookie Zack Martin plowing over linebacker Sean Lee in minicamp, tearing his ACL. And yesterday at training camp in Oxnard it was Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith, overpowering rookie DeMarcus Lawrence to the ground. The defensive end second-round draft pick landed awkwardly, suffering a broken foot that will require surgery and keep him off the field for 8-10 weeks.

Like their Arlington baseball brethren, the Cowboys aren’t deep enough to absorb and withstand injuries. Especially on defense. And particularly along the defensive line.

But with Lawrence now missing anywhere from three to six regular-season games, what’s the plan? Says a lot about a team who must now scramble to replace a player yet to take his first NFL snap, but the Cowboys were counting on Lawrence to be one of the best pass-rushers until Anthony Spencer returns from his injury around Week 7.

The Cowboys had only a meager 34 sacks last season and now without Spencer, Lawrence and the departed DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, that number is likely to dip to epic drought proportions.

Lawrence was fighting for the starting job at right defensive end along with veteran Jeremy Mincey. Now who pushes or ultimately backs up Mincey? Former Saint Martez Wilson? Does Tyrone Crawford move from left to right end? Do the Cowboys sign former Chargers’ first-round pick Larry English?

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Last year in camp Crawford tore his Achilles and Spencer limped around on a bum knee. The Cowboys were able to sign George Selvie, and he had a productive season. It’s not a good sign when a thin team is already scouring for depth.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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