PITTSBURGH -- Already without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence because of injury, the Dallas Cowboys lost one of their replacements, rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, on their fourth defensive play of Sunday's 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kneeland suffered a right knee injury in what looked to be a noncontact manner when he was taking quarterback Justin Fields to the ground. Kneeland was helped to the blue medical tent before he was carted to the locker room for more examination. He was later ruled out.
He was replaced by Tyrus Wheat. The Cowboys used Kneeland and Chauncey Golston as the starters in place of Parsons and Lawrence.
Parsons missed his first game due to injury in his career because of a high left ankle sprain suffered in last week's win against the New York Giants that could cost him two to four weeks. Lawrence was placed on injured reserve after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot against the Giants and is looking at a four- to eight-week recovery time, although he will not need surgery.
The Cowboys liked what Kneeland, their second-round pick, had done so far. He was credited with six tackles, a tackle for loss and six quarterback pressures. Wheat had been inactive for two of the first four games, and the Cowboys called up Carl Lawson from the practice squad for the third straight game.
The Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries at defensive end. In one of the first training camp practices, Sam Williams, who was projected to be their third pass rusher behind Parsons and Lawrence, suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament.