Let Malachi Lawrence Loose at Lambeau

Cowboys Nation, there hasn't been much good news on defense this year. The best of it is wearing a rookie's helmet, and he's about to play a lot more.

Our Take: Malachi Lawrence should be a featured piece Sunday night, not a rotation guy. A defense searching for answers needs its most disruptive young rusher on the field.

Per Blogging The Boys' Thursday news roundup, Brian Schottenheimer said the 2026 first-round edge rusher is going to play more. Lawrence got his first sack last week against Tampa Bay, and his 14.3% pressure rate ranks fourth among qualified NFL rookies, per PFF. The open question is whose snaps shrink to make room.

Help may be coming around him, too. The roundup, citing SI's injury report, says linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is making progress toward a return, Von Miller was back after a rest day, and cornerback Ameer Speed was upgraded to limited along with Joey Porter Jr. Christian Parker told reporters he's "most likely going to be down" on the field calling the defense, and new staffer Mike Pettine's role is still being sorted out. Schottenheimer also said the defense's players-only meeting "means everyone's rowing in the same direction."

What to watch at Green Bay: Lawrence's snap count, whether Overshown is active, and whether Javonte Williams, who has six touchdowns but is averaging 3.7 yards per carry, can get the ground game going.

Sources: [Blogging The Boys](https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/dallas-cowboys-news/222716/mike-pettine-change-defense-malachi-lawrence-injuries)