The Tank has reportedly rolled into Frisco.
According to sources cited by ESPN’s Ed Werder, Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence joined other team veterans in reporting to the start of training camp on Tuesday. Lawrence’s arrival follows a week of soul-searching for the superstar edge rusher, as he wrestled with whether to stay away from the team due to concerns over COVID-19.
Lawrence’s wife Sasha is pregnant and expecting a child in October, the couple’s second. Just last week, the two-time Pro Bowler made it clear: he wants to play in 2020, but the health of his family would ultimately be the deciding factor.
#Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence did report with other veterans to the official opening of training camp, as expected, per a source. He expressed misgivings about the NFL measures in place to protect players from Covid-19. Players have until an Aug. 3 deadline to opt-out.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 28, 2020
“Shoot, I love to ride with my brothers and play the game,” he told ESPN on July 19. “When I have to take that away from myself, it’s hard and I don’t want to make a decision like that. But I also have to make sure I’m taking care of my family. Family is number one. After the game of football is done, that’s the only thing I have to depend on, so I’ve got to take care of them.”
That same day, Lawrence echoed concerns shared on social media by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson regarding the league’s coronavirus protocols- or lack thereof- and his own wife’s pregnancy.
I SECOND THIS! How has the @NFL had this long to prep but still have NO real plan in place? We are less than 10 days before we are REQUIRED to report! I refuse to put my pregnant wife/family at risk w/o understanding exactly what the plan for our safety & well being will be. https://t.co/bepNjRiml0
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) July 19, 2020
The Cowboys were informed on Monday that their Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan had been approved by the NFL Players Association, allowing training camp to open on time.
Lawrence and the team’s other veterans reported to the club’s facility at The Star in Frisco on Tuesday for the first of three COVID-19 tests. They are required to pass all three before they will be allowed to enter the facility.
Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady and wide receiver Stephen Guidry have already elected to opt out of the upcoming season. According to Werder, all players have until August 3 to choose follow suit.
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