Carl Lawson Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Jets vs Ravens game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 23, 2025
New opportunity in Baltimore
The Ravens signed Lawson to the practice squad Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson played in 15 regular-season games for the Cowboys in 2024 and logged 15 tackles (seven solo), including 5.0 sacks, and one forced fumble. With Broderick Washington (ankle) on IR and Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) out for the season, Lawson's addition to the Ravens' practice squad gives the team depth at defensive end. Given his recent addition, Lawson is unlikely to be elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears.
Jan 7, 2025
Notches 5.0 sacks in 2024
Lawson finished the 2024 season with 15 tackles (seven solo), including 5.0 sacks, 15 QB hits and one forced fumble across 15 games.
ANALYSIS
Lawson started just three games this past season for Dallas, operating as a sub-package edge rusher behind Micah Parsons and Chauncey Golston. It was a nice bounce-back season for the 29-year-old after he dealt with a torn Achilles' tendon and a back issue in his time with the Jets from 2021-23. Lawson failed to record a single sack across six games for New York in 2023 and did't sign with Dallas until August of 2024 after Sam Williams tore his ACL. Lawson is scheduled to head back to free agency in March.
Nov 4, 2024
Two sacks against Atlanta
Lawson recorded 2.0 sacks in Sunday's loss to the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
With Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) still unavailable, Lawson led the Cowboys' pass rush and was the only player to bring down Kirk Cousins on the afternoon. The veteran edge rusher has 2.5 sacks in four games since both Parsons and Lawrence went down, giving Lawson some deep-league IDP appeal in Week 10 against the Eagles if the duo remain sidelined.
Aug 19, 2024
Inks deal with Dallas
The Cowboys signed Lawson on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Lawson worked out with the Cowboys in late July, and after a successful tryout, the team has agreed to terms with the longtime Bengal. The 29-year-old most recently played with the Jets, recording five total tackles across six regular-season contests in 2023. Expect Lawson to compete for a depth role in the Cowboys' pass-rushing corps as the preseason continues.
Jul 31, 2024
Set to work out with Dallas
Lawson is scheduled to work out with the Cowboys on Thursday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Cowboys are working out several pass rushers after Sam Williams sustained a season-ending torn ACL injury in his left knee during Sunday's practice session. Lawson played for the Jets in 2023, though he appeared in just six regular-season games while dealing with a back injury, and he finished the season with just five tackles (two solo). Lawson's most productive season came in 2022 with the Jets, when he recorded 33 tackles (18 solo), including 7.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 17 regular-season games.
Oct 8, 2023
Not playing Sunday
Lawson (coach's decision) is out Sunday against the Broncos, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The backup defensive end dealt with a back issue in training camp and ended up missing Week 1. Lawson has played in three games since and made three tackles.
Sep 13, 2023
Will make season debut in Week 2
Lawson (back) will play against the Cowboys on Sunday, per coach Robert Saleh, Al Iannazzone of Newsday Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Saleh revealed that Lawson had dealt with a back injury leading up to Monday's win over the Bills, which prompted the coaching staff to keep the defensive end out. Lawson had 7.0 sacks in 2022 and should play a prominent role in New York's deep pass rushing rotation now that he's healthy.
Sep 11, 2023
Won't play Monday
Lawson (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's matchup against the Bills, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson dealt with a back issue throughout training camp, but he wasn't listed on the Jets' initial Week 1 injury report, suggesting he'd be able to play in the season opener. However, it appears the team wants to give him one more week to build up to game speed. Jermaine Johnson will likely start in Lawson's absence, while Bryce Huff and Will McDonald could see extra snaps as depth options.
Sep 7, 2023
Should play Monday night
Lawson (back) wasn't listed on the Jets' injury report Thursday ahead of their Week 1 game versus Buffalo, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite struggling with the back issue throughout training camp and into September, Lawson won't miss the Jets' season opener. He's seeking the first double-digit sack season of his career in 2023, but having to chase around Josh Allen in Week 1 means Lawson won't have an easy start.
Aug 29, 2023
Back at practice
Lawson (back) returned to practice Tuesday, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Robert Saleh said he's optimistic Lawson will suit up Week 1 versus the Bills, but the defensive end doesn't yet appear to be practicing in full. He has just under two weeks remaining before New York's prime time regular-season opener on Monday Night Football.
Aug 24, 2023
Still dealing with injury
Lawson (back) may not be ready Week 1, according to head coach Robert Saleh, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson has dealt with the back issue throughout camp and it was reported Aug. 16 that he could be back this week. However, it now appears that is highly unlikely to happen and his availability for the start of the season is in jeopardy.
Aug 16, 2023
Nearing return
Head coach Robert Saleh is hopeful that Larson (back) will return to practice next week, Skyler Carlin of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Larson has missed practice for multiple weeks now as he tries to recover from the back issue. However, it appears that the 28-year-old is getting closer to a return, which is good news with the Jets' defense.
May 18, 2023
Reworks deal
Lawson restructured his contract with the Jets on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson's reworked deal will help to open up $12.7 million in 2023 cap space. The 27-year-old will go from earning a non-guaranteed $15 million this year, to a guaranteed $8 million, and the ability to earn $3 million more in incentives. Lawson is coming off perhaps the best season of his career, with 33 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Oct 13, 2022
Full go Thursday
Lawson (ankle) was a full participant during the Jets' practice Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson popped up as a limited participant on the Jets' injury report Wednesday after playing a season-high 73 percent of the team's defensive snaps in Week 5. However, the 27-year-old appears to have moved past this unspecified ankle issue after returning to practice in full Thursday. Lawson has recorded eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble so far this season, and he should play a prominent pass-rushing role during Sunday's game against the Packers.
Oct 12, 2022
Limited Wednesday
Lawson (ankle) was limited during Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Lawson played a season-high 73 percent of the Jets' defensive snaps in Week 5 and recorded a sack for a second consecutive contest, but it appears the fifth-year pass rusher picked up an ankle injury as well. The severity of the issue remains unclear, but the Jets will likely be cautious with Lawson, who's returning from a season-ending Achilles injury last year. He'll have two more opportunities to log a full practice before the team needs to make a decision on his status for Sunday's matchup against Green Bay.
Oct 12, 2022
Making strong return from injury
Lawson tallied two tackles, one sack and a forced fumble in Sunday's 40-17 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Lawson's strip sack of Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson helped set up Breece Hall's five-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter to give the Jets a 33-17 lead. After missing his inaugural season with the Jets in 2021 while recovering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon, Lawson has returned healthy for 2022, clearing 50 percent of the defensive snaps in each of New York's first five games while tallying 2.5 sacks.
Jul 26, 2022
Cleared for camp
The Jets activated Lawson off the PUP list Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson's stint on the PUP list lasted less than a week. Lawson is set to start on the Jets' front four come Week 1, though he doesn't get to the quarterback frequently enough to be fantasy-relevant outside of the deepest of leagues.
Jul 21, 2022
On PUP list to start training camp
Lawson (Achilles) was placed on the Jets' active/PUP list Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson may need more time to fully recover before returning from a ruptured Achilles suffered last offseason. The 27-year-old defensive end is expected to be healthy for the start of the regular season, but he must receive a medical clearance at any point heading into the regular season before he can practice in training camp. Lawson has yet to play for the Jets after signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the team as a free agent in March of 2021.
Jun 28, 2022
Expected to be ready by Week 1
Lawson (Achilles) is expected to be fully healthy by Week 1 of the 2022 regular season, Nick Wojton of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Jets last year, but he never played a game for his new team after rupturing his left Achilles during training camp. Initial reports suggested he may be full go by training camp this year, but it appears New York will remain cautious to avoid any potential setbacks. The 2017 fourth-round pick posted 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles across 16 games for the Bengals in 2020.
May 11, 2022
Still on track for training camp
Lawson (Achilles) said Wednesday that he expects to be back for training camp, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jets head coach Robert Saleh made similar comments about Lawson's status at the end of March and it appears the pass rusher's rehab is still going well. Lawson signed a contract ahead of the 2021 season but missed the entire campaign due to a ruptured left Achilles suffered last August. He posted 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles across 16 games for the Bengals in 2020.
Mar 28, 2022
On track for training camp
Coach Robert Saleh said Monday he expects Lawson (Achilles) to be ready for the start of training camp.
ANALYSIS
Lawson missed the entire 2021 campaign due to a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered last August. The Jets are hoping a full recovery on Lawson's part will allow him to return as an impact player on defense for the 2022 season, so the 26-year-old's recovery process this offseason will be worth keeping an eye on. Back in 2020, Lawson racked up 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles across 16 games for the Bengals.
Aug 24, 2021
Lands on injured reserve
The Jets placed Lawson (Achilles) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tyler Greenawalt of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson suffered a season-ending injury during practice last Thursday in the form of a ruptured left Achilles' tendon. Losing the 26-year-old for the season after just having signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract back in March is a brutal blow for the Jets' defense. Lawson will set his sights on a lengthy road to recovery and work to retake the field ahead of training camp in 2022. He will no doubt undergo surgery in the near future.
Aug 19, 2021
Done for season
Lawson ruptured his Achilles on Thursday and will miss the entire 2021 season, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson, who was carted off the practice field Thursday, had been signed by the team to a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason. Losing the defensive end, who had looked good this summer prior to his injury, is a big blow to the Jets defense, with the 26-year-old having been counted on to fortify the team's pass rush in 2021.
Aug 19, 2021
Set to undergo MRI
Lawson is slated to undergo an MRI on his Achilles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson was carted off the practice field Thursday, and the fact that he has an Achilles' concern is obviously troubling. The Jets signed the 26-year-old to a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason and were counting on Lawson to bolster the team's pass rush in 2021.
Aug 19, 2021
Carted off with leg injury
Lawson (leg) was carted off the practice field Thursday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
The severity of Lawson's injury remains undisclosed, but it's always worrying to see a player leave the field under such circumstances. The veteran defensive end inked a three-year, $45 million deal with the Jets this offseason, and the team is counting on him to lock down a starting role and bring pressure.
Mar 15, 2021
Comes to terms with Jets
Lawson signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Jets on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson received $30 million in guarantees after a successful four-year stint in Cincinnati. He was most productive from a pass-rushing perspective in 2017 -- his rookie campaign -- when he managed 8.5 sacks. However, he earned by far his biggest role during the 2020 campaign, when he logged 723 defensive snaps. He'll immediately slot into a starting defensive end role with the Jets and will be expected to bolster the pass rush.
Jan 4, 2021
Minimal action in finale
Lawson, who registered two solo tackles in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, ended his season recording 36 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
ANALYSIS
Lawson's 2020 campaign marked a career high in tackles and forced fumbles. The 25-year-old also saw the most defensive snaps (723) among Bengals D-linemen. The pass rusher enters the 2021 offseason as an unrestricted free agent, so he may have played his last down in Cincinnati.
Dec 22, 2020
Pads sack total
Lawson had two solo tackles, a sack and a forced fumble during Monday's 27-17 win over Pittsburgh.
ANALYSIS
The 25-year-old broke a three-game sackless streak with his strip-sack of Ben Roethlisberger during the second quarter Monday. Lawson had a strong start with 3.5 sacks through the first four games of the year, but he has only two sacks in his past 10 games.
Nov 24, 2020
Sack on Sunday
Lawson recorded five tackles (three solo) and a sack across 38 defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
Lawson recorded his first sack since Week 4, bringing his season total to 4.5. The 25-year-old defensive end continues to see expanded reps as the year goes on, as he played in 61 percent of the defensive snaps Sunday.
Oct 18, 2020
Set for increased role
Lawson is expected to start at defensive end for Sunday's game against the Colts, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson will take on the increased role in place of Sam Hubbard, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday with an elbow injury. Lawson has been solid in a limited role this season, racking up 16 tackles (seven solo), 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble through five games. Don't expect a huge drop off with Hubbard out, as Lawson will provide a pass-rush duo with Carlos Dunlap for Week 6.
Sep 29, 2020
Stuffs stat sheet Sunday
Lawson recorded eight tackles (four solo), two sacks and forced fumble in Sunday's tie with the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Lawson had a monster day defensively for the Bengals, taking down Carson Wentz on two occasions in the second quarter. The second was a strip-sack but the Eagles were able to recover -- eventually leading to a Greg Ward touchdown. Lawson will aim to continue ravaging opponent's quarterbacks, with Gardner Minshew and the Jaguars on the docket for this Sunday.
Sep 14, 2020
Gets to quarterback in season opener
Lawson tallied five tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hit in Week 1 against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Lawson was busy in the Chargers' backfield, and tallied his sack to end the first quarter. He was on the field for 58 percent of defensive snaps and will remain a key part of the Bengals' defensive line rotation for remainder of the season.
Jan 24, 2020
Five sacks in 2019
Lawson had 23 tackles (17 solo) and five sacks in 12 games this season.
ANALYSIS
Lawson missed two games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury, but he otherwise served as a rotational defensive end for the Bengals. The 24-year-old had 8.5 sacks during his rookie campaign in 2017 but hasn't been able to recreate that success over the last two seasons. Lawson enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2020.
Oct 18, 2019
Sidelined by hamstring injury
Lawson was ruled out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville with a hamstring injury, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Lawson recorded his fist sack of the season last week against the Ravens, but he came out of the contest with the hamstring injury and didn't practice this week. Carlos Dunlap (knee) is considered doubtful, likely leaving the Bengals shorthanded at defensive end.
Sep 15, 2019
Leaves with hamstring injury
Lawson suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's game against the Niners and won't return, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bengals have a lot of depth on the defensive line, but losing Lawson hurts them on the pass rush.
Download the app