Report: DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Jones to open training camp on PUP list, won’t practice in Oxnard

About a month and a half ago word first started to circulate that DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Jones could begin training camp on the PUP list. That’s not ideal, but it’s far from the end of the world.

On Tuesday the Dallas Morning News reported that this is in fact likely going to be the case. The DMN also noted that it’s unlikely that either Lawrence or Jones will practice while in Oxnard.

Neither player will be cleared to practice Saturday for the first session of this camp. It’s unlikely Lawrence and Jones will take part in any team practices while in Oxnard, Calif.

But sources said the rehabilitation of both players is on target and the expectation is they will be ready to play when the team opens the season against the New York Giants on Sept. 8.

Thankfully it appears that the Cowboys should have their star defenders when the regular season kicks off, but them missing time in Oxnard isn’t insignificant by any means. Of course it’s not like anyone is going to fret over players of this caliber, but this is an important year for both of them.

2019 is big for Lawrence, coming off of shoulder surgery, in terms of continuing to lead the Cowboys defense as a unit. He’s currently the highest-paid player in franchise history and with that distinction comes a larger level of expectation.

Of course Byron Jones, who had hip surgery over the offseason, is entering a contract year and looking for as close of a payday as he can get to Tank. It’s important for him to get right so that he can play at the highest level.

The PUP list is part of training camp beginning. People will be bummed that certain players are on it, but this is a marathon and not a sprint.

Update: 1:45pm ET

While we’re on the subject of injuries, great news concerning Travis Frederick!