The Dallas Cowboys’ hopes of getting their season back on track have taken another blow as star pass rusher Micah Parsons has been ruled out for Sunday’s crucial matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This will mark the third consecutive game Parsons has missed due to a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 4 against the New York Giants.
According to an inside source close to the team, Parsons has been diligently rehabbing his injured ankle but has yet to return to practice since sustaining the injury. The Cowboys had hoped that the bye week would provide enough time for their defensive cornerstone to recover, but his absence from practice this week indicated he would be unable to suit up on Sunday.
Parsons’ Impact on the Cowboys Defense
Since being drafted in 2021, Micah Parsons has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. His unique blend of speed, power, and instincts has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, as evidenced by his impressive stats:
- 13 sacks in his rookie season, setting a Cowboys franchise record
- Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021
- Selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons
- Recorded 4 sacks in the first 3 games of the 2024 season before his injury
Without Parsons’ disruptive presence, the Cowboys’ defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In the two games since his injury, Dallas has recorded just 2 sacks and allowed an average of 27 points per game.
Other Injury Concerns for Dallas
Parsons isn’t the only key player the Cowboys will be missing on Sunday. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland, who has been sidelined since August with a foot injury, has also been ruled out. Bland’s 21-day practice window is set to close on Monday, at which point the Cowboys will need to either activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on injured reserve.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks, who missed the team’s last game with a shoulder injury, is listed as questionable but is trending in the right direction to play, per head coach Mike McCarthy. Cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) and linebacker Nick Vigil (foot) are also questionable for Sunday’s game.
Cowboys’ Struggling Offense Seeks Spark
As the Cowboys’ defense tries to overcome the loss of key players, the offense is desperately searching for answers. Dallas currently ranks last in the NFL in rushing, averaging a meager 77.2 yards per game. The team has gone a franchise-record 20 games without a 100-yard rusher, with Rico Dowdle leading the team with just 246 yards on the season.
In an effort to jumpstart the ground game, the Cowboys may turn to veteran running back Dalvin Cook, who has spent the entire season on the practice squad. Cook, a four-time 1,000-yard rusher with the Minnesota Vikings, could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling offense. According to McCarthy, Cook has “crossed over the threshold” in terms of understanding the offense and could make his Cowboys debut on Sunday.
Dalvin’s ready. I really like the work that he’s putting in. I think he’s definitely in position to [play].
– Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on the possibility of Dalvin Cook making his debut
A Crucial Game for Both Teams
Sunday’s matchup between the Cowboys and 49ers carries significant implications for both teams. The Cowboys, currently sitting at 2-4, desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive NFC East. The 49ers, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their grip on the NFC West lead and establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
With Parsons out and the offense struggling, the Cowboys face an uphill battle against a talented 49ers squad. However, if players like Kendricks and Cook can step up and make an impact, Dallas may be able to pull off the upset and get their season back on track.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on AT&T Stadium to see if the Cowboys can overcome adversity and secure a much-needed victory. For Micah Parsons and the Dallas faithful, Sunday can’t come soon enough, as they eagerly await the return of their defensive superstar and the chance to turn their season around.
