Marshawn Kneeland’s Knee Issue Exacerbates Defensive End Injury Crisis for the Cowboys

Cowboys Lose Rookie Marshawn Kneeland to Injury

During Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys faced another blow to their defense. Already playing without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence due to injuries, the team lost Marshawn Kneeland, a rookie defensive end and one of their key replacements, during the fourth defensive play of the game. Kneeland sustained a right knee injury in what seemed to be a noncontact incident while taking down quarterback Justin Fields. After being assisted to the blue medical tent, he was taken to the locker room for further evaluation and was later ruled out of the game. His replacement was Tyrus Wheat.

The Cowboys’ Plan

In the absence of Parsons and Lawrence, the Cowboys had opted to use Kneeland and Chauncey Golston as starters. However, the loss of Kneeland is a considerable setback. Parsons, who is experiencing the first injury-related absence of his career due to a high left ankle sprain, could be out for two to four weeks. Lawrence, who has a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, could face a recovery time of four to eight weeks though surgery is not required.

Kneeland’s Performance and Cowboys’ Injuries

Despite being a rookie, Kneeland had impressed the Cowboys with his performance, recording six tackles, a tackle for loss, and six quarterback pressures. Wheat, his replacement, had been inactive for two of the first four games. The Cowboys also brought up Carl Lawson from the practice squad for the third consecutive game. The team has been struggling with injuries, especially at the defensive end. Earlier in the training camp, Sam Williams, projected to be the third pass rusher behind Parsons and Lawrence, suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament.