DeMarcus Lawrence may not return this week, after all.
Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said Monday on The K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan that the team's pass rusher is "probably a long shot to play" against the Cincinnati Bengals next Monday night, but it's "not out of the question."
Jones' comments came after team owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Friday on The Fan that Dallas "more than likely" would have Lawrence for the showdown with Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
Whether or not Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence beats the odds and plays next Monday, it sounds like his return is imminent.
"We'll see how this week goes," Jones said. ... "If anyone can pull it off it would be (DeMarcus Lawrence). ... I certainly expect to see him sooner than later.”
Lawrence suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot in Dallas' Week 4 win against the New York Giants and was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 1. The initial estimated timeline for his return was four to eight weeks.
Lawrence has been working in the rehab group at Cowboys' practice since Nov. 21.
As for CeeDee Lamb, who aggravated his AC shoulder joint sprain in the second half of the Thanksgiving win over the Giants, Jones praised the star receiver for fighting through the injury over the last several weeks to remain in the lineup and expects him to be out there next Monday.
"I'd be shocked if he wasn't ready to roll against the Bengals," Jones said.
Lamb has been fighting through the issue since suffering the injury against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 3. He had just two catches for 39 yards last week and had three drops.