DeMarcus Lawrence Impressing Since Return

In two days of practice since returning from the injured reserve/designated to return list, second round pick DeMarcus Lawrence has left coaches impressed.

Lawrence suffered a fractured foot back in July, while working against Tyron Smith in a training camp drill. He was only eligible to return to practice this week, and he won’t be available for a game until Week 9.

“Since he’s been off he has been in the weight room,” said defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, per Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “He looks great. He has filled out even more. He’s had a couple of days of practice. He has fresh legs now. But he really looks quick and explosive. Now he has a chance over the next couple of weeks to hone in on his skills, hopefully we will get him going.”
Once Lawrence does finally make his debut, the Cowboys expect him to make an impact immediately.

“The expectations are high,” said executive vice president Stephen Jones. “You hate when a rookie misses a lot, but he’s almost like a first-round pick for us. We gave up a second and a third rounder and got him high in the second. Our trainers actually said it’s probably good for him [that he had some time off]. He’s reshaped his body. But he’s got two weeks here to get ready to go. I fully expect him to be a significant contributor starting right after Week 8."