Micah Parsons is set to make his return to the Dallas Cowboys’ defense in their Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The star edge rusher has been sidelined for the last four games due to a high ankle sprain but is expected to rejoin the Cowboys’ defensive line on Sunday, providing a much-needed boost for the team. This comes after reports surfaced that quarterback Dak Prescott may need season-ending surgery, adding extra pressure on Dallas’ defense.
Parsons sustained the ankle injury during the Cowboys’ Week 4 game against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. The same game also saw another significant loss for the defense, as DeMarcus Lawrence was injured with a mid-foot sprain. The absences of both key defenders have been felt, as the Cowboys have struggled in the pass rush in recent weeks.
Since losing Parsons and Lawrence, Dallas’ pass rush has significantly declined, with the team now ranked 25th in the NFL for pass-rush win rate. The Cowboys are currently winning just 36% of their pass-rush reps, according to ESPN Analytics, a notable drop from their usual high standards. The team has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has affected their overall defensive performance.
Despite missing a month of action, Parsons remains the Cowboys’ leader in quarterback pressures with 21. He also ranks sixth on the team with one sack, underscoring his continued impact when on the field. His return is expected to revitalize Dallas’ defense and help address some of the pass rush issues that have plagued the team in recent games.
Parsons participated in limited practice sessions throughout the week, preparing for his return to action on Sunday. With his presence back in the lineup, the Cowboys will hope to shore up their pass rush and regain some of the defensive dominance they’ve been missing since Parsons’ injury