The Dallas Cowboys managed to salvage a narrow victory over the New York Giants in Week 4, evening their record at 2-2. However, the triumph came at a steep price as the team’s defense suffered significant blows that could reshape their season. Star linebacker Micah Parsons and $40 million defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence both exited the game early due to injuries, leaving a gaping hole in the Cowboys’ defensive lineup.
Parsons, who has quickly established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the NFL, will miss his first career game due to injury in Week 5. The high ankle sprain he sustained against the Giants is expected to sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. Lawrence’s situation is even more dire, as he faces a potential 4-to-8-week absence due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot.
As the Cowboys navigate this injury crisis, the urgency to bolster their defensive line has grown. On Monday, Bleacher Report highlighted the Cowboys’ pressing need for experienced reinforcements in their Week 5 NFL Team Needs article. They emphasized the importance of adding a veteran player to the mix, suggesting that the Cowboys might benefit from signing former Kansas City Chiefs standout Frank Clark.
“Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence went down with injuries on Thursday, and both could miss a significant amount of time,” B/R’s scouting department wrote. “While the Cowboys have Carl Lawson to turn to, it couldn’t hurt to add one more veteran into the mix.”
Clark, 31, is currently a free agent after a tumultuous 2023 season that saw him split time between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. Despite being released by two teams last year, he recorded five sacks in 2022 with the Chiefs, proving he can still contribute at a high level. The Cowboys are urged to at least bring him in for a workout to assess whether he has anything left in the tank.
During his prime years with the Chiefs, Clark was a dominant force, earning three Pro Bowl selections and amassing 23.5 sacks in 58 games. His playoff performance was even more impressive, with 13.5 sacks in postseason play and two Super Bowl rings to his name. Adding a player of Clark’s caliber could be crucial as the Cowboys prepare for a grueling stretch in their schedule.
Looking ahead, Dallas is facing a brutal seven-game stretch before their Week 7 bye. The upcoming slate features tough matchups against Pittsburgh, Detroit, San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, and Washington, all before Thanksgiving. The absence of Parsons and Lawrence will undoubtedly make this challenging period even more difficult.
The Cowboys must act swiftly to address their defensive needs. Whether it’s signing Frank Clark or exploring other options, the time to reinforce their roster is now. With the pressure mounting and their season hanging in the balance, the Cowboys have no choice but to adapt and respond to these injuries with strategic moves that could define their 2024 campaign.
