Micah Parsons Eyes Week 10 Return: A Boost for the Cowboys?
For the Dallas Cowboys, the absence of their formidable edge rusher, Micah Parsons, has been palpable. Sidelined since the second half of Week 4 due to a high ankle sprain, the three-time All-Pro has been both missed and missed out on the action. As the Cowboys gear up for their Week 10 face-off against the Philadelphia Eagles, Parsons' potential return could provide the much-needed infusion of energy and skill their defense has been lacking.
The Cowboys have clearly struggled with Parsons out of the lineup, as they’ve grappled with their defensive output. Over the last few weeks, the team has allowed nine passing touchdowns and notably failed to secure a single interception in 2024. Their quarterback pressure rate has plummeted to just 34.4%, placing them 17th in the league. Equally concerning is their rank regarding takeaways; with only five, they find themselves tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL this season.
Parsons' Road to Recovery
The complexity of Parsons' injury was unveiled after an MRI, revealing an extended recovery timeline. The nature of a high ankle sprain is notoriously tricky, something Parsons himself acknowledged. "Yeah, high ankle's those lag on the more you cut on it and bang on it. You just build a tolerance. It's just one of those things," he admitted, illustrating the drawn-out challenge of bouncing back from such an ailment.
Initially optimistic about a speedy return, Parsons reflected, "I didn’t [think I would be out this long]. I mean, as soon as I got hurt I was like, 'Man, I can come back against Detroit [in Week 6] right?'" Yet, as reality has set in, he has taken a more measured approach, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared. "Yeah, I just have to go full go. I got to be back in pads," he stressed, determined not to cut corners in his rehabilitation process.
The Impact of Parsons' Return
The potential of Parsons rejoining the lineup is a beacon of hope for Cowboys fans. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks is well-documented. "Once I’m playing, I'm playing. That's just the competitor in me," he asserted, highlighting his drive to make an immediate impact upon return. Recalling past performances, Parsons has proven his prowess against notable opponents, as noted in his reflections, "Played [Falcons quarterback] Kirk Cousins before, had a lot of success."
His return could indeed be pivotal in turning around the Cowboys' current defensive struggles. The frustration has been mounting for Parsons, who said, "Obviously I felt like it's tough just because I feel like I can make an impact in those games. 49ers, tough watch. I think there's games where we're losing by six points, and I definitely believe I could make a difference in those games."
Looking Ahead
This week, Parsons is slated to participate in Thursday’s padded practice, a critical step in evaluating his readiness for rejoining the squad. As he put it, "You know my chance [to play this week] is high," suggesting an optimistic outlook on his return. Yet, he remains cautious, acknowledging that it all depends on how the practice unfolds. "But we’re just trying to see how the practice week goes, see where the challenges are at, seeing what measures we got to take to see how we want to play this game," he explained.
The Dallas Cowboys eagerly await any uptick in their defensive potency, and Parsons’ return is anticipated as a catalyst for that surge. As they prepare to face the Eagles, all eyes will be on how Parsons fares during the practice sessions, giving fans a glimmer of hope that their defensive stalwart may soon be back where he belongs, wreaking havoc on the field.