Cowboys' Lawrence out 6-8 weeks after undergoing foot surgery

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will miss six-to-eight weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken foot he sustained at practice Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Thursday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Lawrence broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The star defender reacted to his injury on social media:

The Cowboys are also getting ready for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the assumption that starting defensive end Randy Gregory won't play, sources told David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.

Dallas placed Gregory on the COVID-19 reserve after he tested positive, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

The absences mean more defensive troubles for the Cowboys, who were one of two teams without a sack in Week 1. Dallas had only two quarterback hits during Thursday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Lawrence recorded five tackles and Gregory produced just one.

Lawrence, 29, is the Cowboys' most decorated pass-rusher. The two-time Pro Bowler, who signed a five-year, $105-million extension in 2019, led the team with 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last year. He hasn't missed a game due to injury since the 2016 season.

Gregory racked up 3.5 sacks through 10 appearances in 2020 after being suspended for the entire 2019 campaign for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Dallas has also suffered significant losses on the offensive side of the ball in 2021. The team recently placed wide receiver Michael Gallup on injured reserve with a calf injury, and right tackle La'el Collins received a five-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.