Cowboys’ Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence on track to play Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys might be without one of their star players when Week 1 comes calling, but they are about to get another key cog back.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has been sidelined for the past several months with a shoulder injury. He had surgery briefly after signing a massive contract with the team.

The good news? Lawrence is reportedly close to coming off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and is on track to play Week 1.

#Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence (shoulder) is expected to come off the PUP list soon, source says. Lawrence will be limited at first but has been hoping to be ready for Week 1 vs. the #Giants and it looks like that’s a reasonable goal.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 19, 2019

This is no small thing. Lawrence, 27, has racked up 49 quarterback hits and 25 sacks over the past two seasons — both team highs.

Dallas needs its best defender 100 percent healthy for the start of the regular season. Things seem to be trending in that direction.