Dexter Lawrence’s best season yet is likely over.
Lawrence suffered a dislocated elbow in Thursday’s loss to the Cowboys, and the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle probably will be shelved for “the rest of the season” with only five games remaining and the Giants (2-10) already eliminated from the playoff contention.
“We’re still going to take a look at a few different things,” Daboll said Friday, “but not very optimistic.”
Rookie tight end Theo Johnson also is likely done for the season after suffering a foot injury.
Johnson got the news in the postgame locker room at AT&T Stadium and fired his shoes across the room out of frustration.
“This one is probably going to be long term as well,” Daboll said.
Lawrence leads the Giants with nine sacks.
It is ugly to even think of what the NFL’s worst-rushing defense (5.1 yards allowed per carry) will look like without him drawing double- and triple-teams in the middle.
Asked after the game about how he would react to a season-ending diagnosis, Lawrence said, “I’ll be hurt. Because I love going out there and fighting with my guys each and every week. That’s what brings me joy, and I hate not being able to be out there.”
The 340-pound iron man has missed just three career games (one to injury) during his six-year career.