3:25pm: Parsons is facing a recovery timeline of two to four weeks, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. It would thus come as a signficant surprise if he managed to suit up against the Steelers in Week 5. Lawrence, meanwhile, is dealing with a right mid-foot sprain, per Archer. The full severity of his injury is not yet known, but he will likely not be back before the Cowboys’ Week 7 bye.
1:13pm: The Cowboys earned an important win on Thursday night, but the team did suffer multiple injury scares on defense. Edge rusher Micah Parsons is dealing with a high ankle sprain, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
The two-time All-Pro exited Dallas’ win over the Giants late in the fourth quarter. X-rays taken after the contest came back negative, he said (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). An MRI was taken on Friday, though, and it has confirmed a sprain. Rapoport adds Parsons’ status is uncertain at this point.
The worst-case scenario has certainly be avoided in this instance, but the possibility still remains for Parsons to miss time. Dallas has a 10-day break between games by virtue of playing on Thursday, which could prove to be highly beneficial. The 25-year-old indicated he intends to play in Week 5, but his progress in recovery over the coming days will of course dictate if that is possible.
The news is not as encouraging in the case of fellow edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. The four-time Pro Bowler exited last night’s contest with a foot injury and did not return. Lawrence also underwent an MRI on Friday, and Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelissero reports a multi-week absence should be expected. As a result, at least one of Dallas’ top two pass rushers will likely be sidelined until after the team’s Week 7 bye.
The Cowboys have totaled eight sacks this season; Lawrence and Parsons account for five of those. Especially with Sam Williams out for the year, depth along the edge will be a question mark with one (or potentially both) set to miss time. Dallas sits at 2-2 on the year, and a repeat of performances from the team’s defense last night will be needed for momentum to build through the remainder of the campaign. That will be challenging if the unit is shorthanded for a signficant period.
Parsons remains attached to his rookie contract, but negotiations on a monster extension will take place during the offseason. Lawrence, meanwhile, is one of Dallas’ top pending free agents this spring, and his market could take a hit if he misses notable time. As the Cowboys consider their options for a midseason rental addition, edge rush could become a position to watch.
Ouch. If you’re going to build a stars and scrubs team, you need your stars to stay healthy. Ask the 2022 Rams.