Cowboys place rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on IR with high ankle sprain

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have placed rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain and activated linebacker Marist Liufau, who has been sidelined all season with a forearm fracture.

The move Saturday means Lawrence will miss at least four games beginning Sunday at Indianapolis. The first-round pick could return, although the Cowboys are running low on spots remaining for players to return from IR.

Liufau was injured in the final preseason game, which might have helped save his spot on the roster. Instead of being forced to include the third-year player on the 53-man roster for final cuts, Dallas had the option of putting him on injured reserve.

Lawrence had his only sack in a 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 5. He was injured in last week's 33-30 overtime loss to Arizona.

Liufau started his career as a linebacker out of Notre Dame, but the Cowboys have considered turning him into an edge rusher. He is listed as an outside linebacker along with Lawrence and the rest of the edge rushers.

The Cowboys (3-5) promoted receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad for the game against the Colts (2-6).

Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, who injured a calf in Week 3, will remain on IR at least one more week.

Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is questionable with a groin injury, but the promotion of Mitchell likely means Schoonmaker will miss a second consecutive game.

___

See AP’s full NFL coverage here