Even though the Dallas Cowboys came away with a road win over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football, fans were less than happy after losing star defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence to injury. It was later revealed that Lawrence would miss at least a month with a foot sprain and Parsons would have to work through a high ankle sprain.
On Monday, we received another update from The Athletic’s Jon Machota. He reported that both defenders were wearing walking boots and using knee scooters to go around the facility. Parsons shied away from giving a return timeline but said he is holding out hope for a Week 6 return.
The fascinating part of Parsons’ remarks was his reaction to his injury. Saying that he never had to miss a game at any level of his football career because of injury, Parsons called this a “humbling” experience and that he is worried he is “letting people down”.
“I feel like I’m letting people down. I kind of (thought) of myself as (being) invincible for a while. It’s humbling. I’m trying to get back as fast as possible.”
– Micah Parsons
As a player who holds him to a very high standard, this is understandable from Parsons. Like every elite athlete, he wants to be out there helping his team. Yet, it sounds like the Week 5 clash against the Steelers will be the first game the All-Pro defender misses in his career. The Cowboys host the Lions in Week 6 before having a bye week. Hence, it may make sense for the team to keep him out until after the bye week to allow the ankle to fully heal.
The Cowboys will rely on rookie Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston in the absence of their starters. It will be impossible for them to replicate Parsons and Lawrence’s production but if they can help keep the defense afloat until Week 8, Dallas will be more than thrilled.