Follow along with the very latest Cowboys updates as staff writers David Helman, Rob Phillips, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus provide in-depth news and analysis.
D-Law Dominates With 3 Sack Performance
(Sept. 30, 5:53 p.m.) – It gets a bit lost in the shuffle of such a dramatic win, but it's only fitting to do it justice.
There's no need for a clever introduction. Simply take a look at DeMarcus Lawrence's stat line from Sunday's win against Detroit.
Eight tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss and a quarterback hit. The Lions entered Week 4 having allowed just three sacks on the year – and Lawrence matched that tally all on his own.
"I am basically trying to show the world that I am no one-trick pony," Lawrence said. "Every time I step on the field, I am here to put on a show."
Lawrence certainly did that. The stellar performance put him at 5.5 sacks on the season, which will assuredly put him among the league leaders by the end of the weekend. Going back to the start of last season, he also has 20 sacks in his last 20 games.
"His spirit is unbelievable," said Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. "The relentless nature that he plays with is contagious throughout our team. He's a damn good football player. We're lucky to have him."
The performance puts the Cowboys at 14 sacks on the season, which will likely keep them at second-best in the league behind Chicago.
Updating Injuries; Irving's Return
(Sept. 30, 5:37 p.m.) – It sounds like the Cowboys' defensive line could be getting some reinforcements at the exact right time.
Given that they are already thin at defensive tackle, it couldn't have been encouraging to see Antwaun Woods leave Sunday's game with a calf injury. To hear it from Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones, it could be something that sidelines him for at least a little while.
"I don't know if he'll play next week or not," Jones said.
It's fortuitous, then, that Monday morning marks the end of David Irving's four-game suspension. The Cowboys' talented defensive tackle has been at the team facility working out the past few weeks, but the start of Week 5 means Irving is officially allowed to rejoin practice and take his place in the lineup.
It might take Irving some time to get back into football shape, considering he missed all of training camp, but Jones is hopeful he can contribute to the cause right away.
"There's always that shape thing, but he's so unique physically that I wouldn't dismiss him helping us win, especially since interior here, with Woods a question mark here, probably our interior is where we're the thinnest right now," he said.
Jeff Heath also exited Sunday's game with an injury, which Jones described as a stinger.
-David Helman
Tavon Austin Injures Shoulder vs. Lions, Returns
(Sept. 30; 1:45 p.m.) – Cowboys wide receiver Tavon Austin landed awkwardly on his right shoulder in the second quarter against the Lions while diving to catch a pass in the end zone.
The ball fell incomplete, and Austin was slow to get up. He eventually walked to the sideline under his own power and was examined by the Cowboys' medical staff.
Austin returned on offense on the opening drive of the third quarter.
Defensive tackle Antwaun Woods also left in the second quarter with a calf injury and is questionable to return to the game.
-Rob Phillips
Terrance Williams Inactive For Week 4 vs. Lions
ARLINGTON, Texas – After a week of speculation, Terrance Williams will be inactive when the Cowboys take on the Lions on Sunday afternoon.
This completes what has been a strange saga for the veteran receiver. Williams entered this season as one of the Cowboys' most experienced players on offense, but he has played just 39 snaps in the first three games of the season.
There were reports as early as a week ago that Williams might be facing an NFL suspension, but the Cowboys have not commented on that. The team did sign Brice Butler last week, and Williams also did not participate in practice on Friday.
With Williams sitting out, Butler will be back in uniform for the first time since last season, when he finished with 15 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys' full list of inactives is Mike White, Sean Lee, Travis Frederick, Xavier Su'a-Filo, Williams, Dalton Schultz and Maliek Collins.
Lee's absence is obviously notable, but the Cowboys have been aware they'd be without their All-Pro linebacker all week. Without him, they'll turn to Leighton Vander Esch to start in his place. The rookie linebacker has 20 tackles through three games, but Sunday marks just his 15th start in 11-on-11 football.
Collins is out with the knee injury he suffered in the Week 2 win against the Giants. To fill his place, the Cowboys will turn to Tyrone Crawford, Antwaun Woods and Daniel Ross. The club also signed Caraun Reid, who spent time on the roster during training camp, to provide depth.
Schultz is inactive for the third-straight week after playing in the season opener. With the rookie sitting out, Rico Gathers will once again be in uniform.
