FRISCO, Texas – For all the fretting from fans and media about his injured shoulder, DeMarcus Lawrence never shared the concern.
Considering he took the field for the first time on Tuesday, three full weeks ahead of the regular season, it only made sense for him to flex about it.
"Y'all forget I played two seasons with a torn labrum, so it really wasn't about how ready the arm was going to be," Lawrence said. "I know I'm ready, mentally and physically. You only need one arm to beat two."
It's good to know that, even though he hasn't been practicing this training camp, the Cowboys' All-Pro pass rusher hasn't lost any of his trademark swagger. Couple that with his well-known work ethic, and it's understandable Lawrence is already mixing into the individual portions of practice.
Some will even tell you that Lawrence is ahead of schedule in his rehab from shoulder surgery, though it's not something he's particularly interested in.
"I mean, I ain't never had shoulder surgery, so I don't know the timetable it takes people to get back from it," he said. "But like I said earlier, I'm truly grateful that I'm healthy to get out there and do a little bit."
"A little bit" is a key phrase. Both Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford are only doing individual work for the time being, as they ease their way into this process. Lawrence speculated that they'll increase their workload in the next two weeks.
Even still, it's nice to see that familiar No. 90 back on the practice field – and it's predictable that his top priority upon getting back to practice is rushing the passer.
"I don't feel like I've still accomplished nothing. I've still got to hit somebody, I've still got to make sure it can hold up through the pressure of a game," he said. "It's just being able to gradually put more on it and not stress it at the same time."
Here are some more notes from Tuesday's practice from inside Ford Center at The Star:
- Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Michael Gallup picked up where they left off from last Saturday's preseason game. Cornerback Anthony Brown covered Gallup nicely on a crossing route and got his hand on the ball, but Gallup snatched it out of the air and kept moving for a sizable gain.
- Brett Maher made all six of his field goal attempts during special teams period (33, 33, 40, 45, 47, 49 yards). He also connected from 50 yards out during the final team period of practice.
- Jeff Heath was limited in practice, but he did manage an interception down the right sideline. Cooper Rush lofted a deep ball for Cedrick Wilson, but he didn't see that Heath had safety over the top. It was an easy pick and likely would have been a touchdown in live action.
- Good battles in the one-on-one Compete Period between offensive linemen and pass rushers. Defensive tackle Christian Covington was able to push the pocket in two of three snaps against Adam Redmond, and second-round pick Trysten Hill may have reached a draw against Connor Williams. In their third and final rep, Williams took Hill to the ground in protection, prompting Hill's defensive teammates to yell for a holding flag.
- Rookie quarterback Taryn Christion has been lining up everywhere in camp – receiver, running back and special teams – but got his first extended reps with the third team, splitting time with Mike White.
- Garrett praised defensive end Taco Charlton's start to camp and preseason before practice, and he showed some power in the one-on-one drill by knocking down offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt.
