Cowboys vs. Chargers NFL Week 2 injury report, odds: Spread rises with DeMarcus Lawrence out; Randy Gregory, Michael Gallup, La'el Collins also sidelined

The good news for the 0-1 Dallas Cowboys is that they are on extra rest for Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Chargers, but the bad is that Dallas will be without four quite important players in defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, right tackle La'el Collins and wideout Michael Gallup. The Lawrence news pushed the Chargers up from -3 to -3.5 at Caesars Sportsbook and it's not likely to drop back down by Sunday.

We knew Collins and Gallup would miss this game. Both played in the Cowboys' heartbreaking 31-29 loss at Tampa Bay in the Thursday Kickoff Game in Week 1. Collins has since been suspended five games five games by the NFL for violation of the league's substance abuse policy stemming from missed mandatory tests. Terence Steele will start for him.

Gallup landed on injured reserve with a calf injury. He had four catches for 36 yards vs. the Bucs and Cedrick Wilson should be the primary No. 3 wideout opposite Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. On the bright side, All-Pro guard Zack Martin will play after missing Week 1 on the COVID list. He has filled in at right tackle previously but will remain at guard for now.

The Lawrence news was crushing because he wasn't hurt in the game but broke his foot during practice this week and will miss 6-8 weeks. The 29-year-old was spectacular against the Bucs with six tackles, five QB pressures and a forced fumble. Lawrence had team-high 91.4 grade per Pro Football Focus alongside the highest run-defense grade of Week 1 at 96.3.

Gregory has landed on the COVID list and hasn't been ruled out for Sunday yet but is doubtful. He had a tackle and fumble recovery in Week 1. In question is starting strong safety Donovan Wilson with a nagging groin injury that kept him out most of camp. He missed two games in 2020 with the same injury. Even with all those defensive guys in the lineup, the Cowboys allowed 431 yards vs. the Bucs and didn't sack Tom Brady once.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert was well-protected in the Bolts' Week 1 upset in Washington with only two sacks. One key member of his offensive line, right tackle Bryan Bulaga, missed the second half and is in question for Sunday. That's the only significant Chargers injury concern for now.

This game will match two former NFL Offensive Rookies of the Year in Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (2016) and Herbert (2020). The Chargers are on a five-game ATS winning streak, the longest active in the league. Click here for model pick of game. 

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