Cowboys DE Randy Gregory out multiple weeks, could go on IR with calf injury

The Dallas Cowboys got starting quarterback Dak Prescott back into the lineup for last Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos after he missed a single game with a strained right calf but have now encountered a frustrating setback on the defensive side of the ball. 

Per Todd Archer of ESPN, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Thursday that star pass-rusher Randy Gregory is set to miss "multiple weeks" of action because of the calf injury he suffered in Wednesday's practice. Gregory could land on injured reserve, which would force him to miss a minimum of three contests, per NFL rules. 

Dallas hosts the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday and then has matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders before the end of November. Archer adds that fellow Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has been sidelined since mid-September after he broke his foot, is still weeks away from facing opposing offenses. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Gregory and rookie linebacker Micah Parsons are tied for the team lead with five sacks. McCarthy hinted Parsons could see some time playing Gregory's position.

"I think he was probably one of our best players. You could make the argument probably one of clearly our best players on defense," McCarthy said of Gregory, who also has two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. "Yeah, very disruptive. Our team and our defensive players feed off his activity and yeah, definitely feel for him. He's having a heck of a year. But he's back in there this morning and he'll attack his rehab just like he has attacked everything else."

McCarthy likened Gregory's injury with the one that recently slowed Prescott, meaning the defensive end is likely out for at least two games ahead of the Thanksgiving Day contest against the Raiders.