Injuries plague the Dallas Cowboys' defense, with multiple key players, including Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, sidelined.

Why it matters: The Cowboys' defensive unit is being severely tested with a string of injuries to important contributors, impacting their performance and potential game plans.

What's new: Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland joins the list of injured players after suffering a right knee injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury occurred in a noncontact manner, raising concerns about the team's training and conditioning programs.

Yes, but: The Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries, not only to Kneeland but also to Parsons and Lawrence, two crucial defensive assets.

• Parsons is dealing with a high left ankle sprain, forcing him to miss his first game.
• Lawrence is on injured reserve due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot.

What to watch: The Cowboys' depth at the defensive end position will be put to the test as they rely on replacements like Tyrus Wheat to step up and fill the void left by injured starters.

What's next: The Cowboys must prioritize player health and recovery while also finding ways to maintain defensive effectiveness amidst the absence of key contributors.

• The team's medical staff will play a critical role in managing and rehabilitating the injured players.

The bottom line: Injuries can significantly impact a team's season, and the Cowboys' defensive woes highlight the need for depth and resilience in the face of adversity.

• The team must adjust its defensive strategies and find ways to compensate for the absence of key players.

By the numbers: The Cowboys have faced significant injuries throughout the season, with defensive end Sam Williams already out for the year due to a torn ACL.

• Kneeland's performance before the injury showed promise, with six tackles, a tackle for loss, and six quarterback pressures.

Our thought bubble: The Cowboys need to address any potential underlying issues that may be contributing to the frequency of injuries. Ensuring player safety and well-being should be a top priority for the organization.

Zoom In: The absence of key defensive players not only affects the team's performance on the field but also disrupts the overall chemistry and communication within the unit.

Zoom Out: Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, and teams must adapt and find solutions to maintain their competitiveness despite setbacks.

As the season progresses, the Cowboys will face the challenge of overcoming these hurdles and finding ways to remain competitive in a highly competitive league.

Injuries plague the Dallas Cowboys' defense, with multiple key players, including Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, sidelined.

Why it matters: The Cowboys' defensive unit is being severely tested with a string of injuries to important contributors, impacting their performance and potential game plans.

What's new: Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland joins the list of injured players after suffering a right knee injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury occurred in a noncontact manner, raising concerns about the team's training and conditioning programs.

Yes, but: The Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries, not only to Kneeland but also to Parsons and Lawrence, two crucial defensive assets.

• Parsons is dealing with a high left ankle sprain, forcing him to miss his first game.
• Lawrence is on injured reserve due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot.

What to watch: The Cowboys' depth at the defensive end position will be put to the test as they rely on replacements like Tyrus Wheat to step up and fill the void left by injured starters.

What's next: The Cowboys must prioritize player health and recovery while also finding ways to maintain defensive effectiveness amidst the absence of key contributors.

• The team's medical staff will play a critical role in managing and rehabilitating the injured players.

The bottom line: Injuries can significantly impact a team's season, and the Cowboys' defensive woes highlight the need for depth and resilience in the face of adversity.

• The team must adjust its defensive strategies and find ways to compensate for the absence of key players.

By the numbers: The Cowboys have faced significant injuries throughout the season, with defensive end Sam Williams already out for the year due to a torn ACL.

• Kneeland's performance before the injury showed promise, with six tackles, a tackle for loss, and six quarterback pressures.

Our thought bubble: The Cowboys need to address any potential underlying issues that may be contributing to the frequency of injuries. Ensuring player safety and well-being should be a top priority for the organization.

Zoom In: The absence of key defensive players not only affects the team's performance on the field but also disrupts the overall chemistry and communication within the unit.

Zoom Out: Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, and teams must adapt and find solutions to maintain their competitiveness despite setbacks.

As the season progresses, the Cowboys will face the challenge of overcoming these hurdles and finding ways to remain competitive in a highly competitive league.