While Crawford isn't expected to play against the Dolphins, his status for the Saints (Sept. 29) or Green Bay (Oct. 6) is also in question.

While there's never a good time to be without a defensive leader, the Cowboys at least get some help in Robert Quinn, who is coming off a two-game suspension. Quinn could start at right defensive end, but the Cowboys also have Kerry Hyder and Dorance Armstrong to form a rotation with Lawrence and even rookie Joe Jackson.

At defensive tackle, there could be a change as well. Antwaun Woods will miss the game with a knee injury, Stephen Jones confirmed as well. But just like with Crawford and Quinn, the Cowboys have a well-known replacement for Woods in second-round pick Trysten Hill, who could make his NFL debut if he is active this week.

Other injuries the Cowboys are monitoring include wide receiver Tavon Austin, who has not practiced this week after suffering a concussion in Week 1, and safety Xavier Woods, who has an ankle injury. Jones said the safety has improved this week and "certainly could play," depending on how his rehab goes this week.