IRVING, Texas - DeMarcus Lawrence is no longer walking around Valley Ranch on crutches or wearing a protective boot. But that doesn't mean the rookie defensive end is ready to get back on the field.
Lawrence, the Cowboys' second-round pick, suffered a broken right foot in late July during a training camp practice. His recovery time was estimated at eight to 12 weeks.
But since he's on the team's injured reserve/designated for return list, Lawrence won't be eligible to play until Week 9.
His days at the practice facility are usually spent watching film and lifting weights. Although Lawrence has been doing squats and working on the leg press, he has not started running.
"It's hard because I want to be out there with the team," Lawrence said Tuesday. "It's just a process, waking up every morning and knowing that you're not going out there to practice and to really be with the team."
The best case scenario for the Cowboys is that Lawrence is healed and up to full speed by the Cardinals game on Nov. 2. By that time, Lawrence should be fresh, while his opponents have eight weeks of wear and tear on their bodies.
"That's the plan," Lawrence said.
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