Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons is chomping at the bit to get back on the field, but the scooter and protective boot he sported while talking to reporters on Monday signaled a more serious issue. His sprained left ankle might force him to miss some valuable playing time.
Parsons suffered the injury during the Cowboys’ 20-15 victory over the New York Giants last Thursday. But true to his indomitable spirit, Parsons isn’t ready to give up on the upcoming clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) this Sunday.
However, the linebacker, who prides himself on his resilience, admitted this could be the first game he’s missed due to injury since his youth leagues. “For a while, I considered myself invincible,” Parsons confessed. “I feel honored.”
The only game he has missed with the Cowboys occurred in 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols.
“It’s really frustrating,” Parsons admitted, visibly disheartened. “To go from being ready and there for the team to being left out hurts because I feel like I’m letting people down.”
Depending on how his rehabilitation progresses, Parsons could potentially miss more than one game. If he’s unable to suit up against both the Steelers and the Oct. 13 game against the Detroit Lions, he might be sidelined for nearly a month. This would span through the Cowboys’ bye week, with the hopeful return slated for October 27 against the San Francisco 49ers.
While the extra time off might sound promising for a full recovery, Parsons isn’t thrilled about the prospect.
Adding to the team’s woes, DeMarcus Lawrence, who also sustained a foot injury against the Giants, is likely to be out for several weeks. Concerned, Parsons has already started strategizing with his teammates on how to cover his absence.
However, finding a replacement for Parsons is no small feat.
The dynamic linebacker, just 25, has been a first-team All-Pro in two of his first three NFL seasons and boasts an impressive average of 13.5 sacks per year since the Cowboys selected him 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
