He missed 3 games with severe rib bruises he suffered against the Baltimore Colts and his return was also hindered by a bout with the flu.
In 1977, he suffered a hamstring pull in training camp which limited his preseason action and kept him from seriously competing for the starting fullback job with Newhouse.
In 1978, an injury to Newhouse late in the season allowed him to become an important contributor in the final push toward a second straight Super Bowl appearance.
[2] The following week in the conference championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, he had a four-yard scoring reception that put the Cowboys ahead 14–0 in the fourth quarter.
In 1979, he was set to contend with Newhouse for the starting fullback job, but Laidlaw suffered a pulled hamstring in training camp and was unable to make a serious challenge.
[4][5] During his time with the Cowboys, although his effectiveness was limited by a series of injuries, he still managed to be a key backup and a part of three Super Bowl teams.