Cowboys place rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on IR with high ankle sprain

Dallas Cowboys have placed rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain, while also activating linebacker Marist Liufau who had been out all season with a forearm fracture. Lawrence, a first-round pick, will miss at least four games, starting from the upcoming match against Indianapolis. Despite being active again, Liufau's return remains uncertain.

The Cowboys faced a strategic decision in retaining Liufau, which allowed them to avoid the difficult final roster cuts. Lawrence had previously recorded a sack against Tampa Bay in Week 5 but suffered the injury in the Cowboys' overtime defeat to Arizona. The team selected Jordan Hudson and James Mitchell from the practice squad to replace Lawrence and Liufau for the upcoming game against the Colts.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, who injured his calf in Week 3, remains on injured reserve for at least another week. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker, dealing with a groin injury, is currently questionable for the next game, with the promotion of Mitchell potentially causing him to miss his second straight match.