Cowboys' nightmare somehow gets even worse just moments into Sunday Night Football

The Dallas Cowboys are currently locked into a late-night matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just moments into the first quarters, a doomsday scenario hit the Cowboys.

Rookie pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland suffered an apparent knee injury. A thin position only gets thinner less than a quarter into play in Week 5.

Cowboys lose Marshawn Kneeland to knee injury

The young pass rusher was carted to the locker room shortly after leaving the game. He was not able to put any weight on his leg, according to the SNF broadcast on NBC.

Kneeland was announced as a starter during the broadcast, too. He had risen up to the top of the depth chart after recent injuries to Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. He's a vital player for their defensive success right now.

Lawrence is currently on injured reserve and will miss at least three more games. Parsons is dealing with an ankle injury and isn't playing versus the Steelers. It's his first career missed game due to injury in the NFL.

Now, we wait for updates regarding Kneeland's injury and status going forward.

Related: Cowboys take best player available route by taking Marshawn Kneeland with 56th pick in 2024 NFL Draft