**Cowboys Face Potential Key Absences Against Steelers Due to Injuries**

In FRISCO, Texas, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a mixed situation after their Week 4 victory against the New York Giants, as star players DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons could potentially miss their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to injuries.

The Cowboys' defensive strength has taken a hit as both Lawrence and Parsons suffered injuries in the match against the Giants. Lawrence injured his foot, while Parsons sustained an ankle injury, necessitating MRIs to evaluate the extent of their conditions. Fortunately, Micah Parsons appears to have narrowly avoided the worst-case scenario, despite being carted off the field during the game.

"Micah is week to week," stated Stephen Jones, the executive vice president and director of player personnel, during an interview with 105.3 The Fan. Jones noted that every player's body responds differently, leaving a slim possibility that Parsons might still play against the Steelers. Even if Parsons misses this game, the upcoming mini-bye week could improve his chances of returning for the following week's contest against the Detroit Lions and the next imperative matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Conversely, the outlook for DeMarcus Lawrence seems less optimistic. Jones suggested Lawrence might face a longer recovery period. Both Lawrence and Parsons are undergoing second opinions on their injuries to determine their exact prognoses. Head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that Lawrence's injury appears more severe than Parsons', stating more details will be assessed in the coming days.

"Both injuries are worse than initially anticipated, though neither is season-ending," McCarthy explained. This insight comes at a time when the Cowboys' defensive lineup has already been affected by the departures of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler to free agency and Sam Williams suffering a torn ACL at the start of training camp.

To address these challenges, the Cowboys have been proactive in their strategy. They have elevated Carl Lawson from the practice squad and have increased his defensive playtime, which will likely continue in the upcoming match. Other possible adjustments include utilizing Phil Hoskins from the practice squad or repositioning Chauncey Golston to defensive end. However, if these injuries prove persistent, additional defensive reinforcements could be sought.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and head coach Mike McCarthy emphasize adaptability in managing these injuries, understanding that player injuries are part of the game and others must step up. "It's just a matter of when," McCarthy commented, reflecting the resilience the team intends to maintain in navigating these challenges.

As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 5 game against the Steelers, the performance of their defense will be a key focus, especially if Lawrence or Parsons are sidelined due to their injuries.