The opening four weeks of the 2016 season might be a tough stretch for the Cowboys. First, they lost Randy Gregory to a four-game suspension. Now, they're reportedly going to be without Demarcus Lawrence, as well.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Lawrence is facing a four-game ban for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy:
The Cowboys have not been notified of the impending suspension, which means Lawrence and his representatives are in the process of challenging the ruling. But several sources said all indications are that the club will be without its starting left defensive end to open the season.
Oh, and this is worth remembering:
DeMarcus Lawrence right after Cowboys drafted him in 2014 on his 3 one-game suspensions in 2 years at Boise State: pic.twitter.com/w3vXyOPHf7
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) April 20, 2016
Lawrence led the team in sacks a year ago with eight. Considering the team will also be without Gregory and (most likely) free agent Greg Hardy, their need for a pass rusher just increased substantially.
The good news is that the Cowboys are picking fourth in the draft later this month and can probably snag Ohio State's Joey Bosa. With the Rams and Eagles definitely taking quarterbacks, that only leaves the Chargers in the Cowboys' way. And the Chargers could select left tackle Laremy Tunsil to protect Philip Rivers' blindside or Jalen Ramsey to shore up the secondary. Both scenarios would allow the Cowboys to draft Bosa and fill a long-term (and, now, a short-term) need.
The Cowboys first four games will come against the Giants, Washington, Bears, and 49ers. With two divisional games to start the season, Lawrence sure picked a poor time for his reported suspension.
