As the Dallas Cowboys approach the pivotal Week 10 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes are on their three-time All-Pro edge rusher, Micah Parsons. Sidelined since the second half of Week 4 due to a high ankle sprain, Parsons is inching closer to a return that could potentially rejuvenate a Cowboys' defense that has struggled in his absence.
Impact of Parsons' Absence
The Dallas Cowboys have noticeably felt the sting of Parsons' absence on defense. Since his injury, the team has allowed nine passing touchdowns without snagging a single interception, highlighting the void left by their defensive cornerstone. The Cowboys' pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks has plummeted to just 34.4%, ranking 17th in the league. This stark drop has coincided with the Cowboys being tied for the fourth-fewest takeaways in the NFL, managing just five up to this point in the season.
Parsons himself acknowledges the frustration of watching his team from the sidelines. "Obviously I felt like it's tough just because I feel like I can make an impact in those games," he admitted. "Played [Falcons quarterback] Kirk Cousins before, had a lot of success. 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."
The Tedious Road to Recovery
Parsons' journey back to the field has not been without its challenges. An MRI revealed the complexity of his high ankle sprain, extending his expected recovery time beyond initial hopes. Reflecting on his situation, Parsons expressed, "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?'"
However, the path to recovery is never straightforward with high ankle sprains. Parsons acknowledged the nature of the injury, noting, "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."
Anticipation for Return
Despite the challenges, there is an optimistic tone as Parsons contemplates a potential return against the Eagles. The edge rusher is set to test his readiness in a Thursday padded practice, an essential step in gauging whether he can line up for the Cowboys this coming Sunday.
Parsons expressed confidence about his prospects, stating, "You know my chance [to play this week] is high. 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."
His enthusiasm for returning to the field is palpable. "Once I’m playing, I'm playing. That's just the competitor in me," Parsons asserted. He emphasized the importance of going all out during practice to test his readiness fully. "Yeah, I just have to go full go. I got to be back in pads," he emphasized.
Potential Impact on Cowboys' Defense
Parsons' return could significantly boost the Cowboys' defensive performance. Known for his prowess against quarterbacks, the edge rusher has had success against notable names, including Kirk Cousins. His presence on the field could revitalize the Cowboys' ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers, both of which have been lacking in recent games.
With the Cowboys facing challenging opponents ahead, Parsons' potential return couldn't come at a more crucial time. His presence not only offers skill and leadership on the field but also provides a psychological lift to a team aiming to cement their position in the playoffs.
As the suspense builds around his return, the Dallas Cowboys, their fans, and Parsons himself will be eagerly awaiting the results of this week’s practice. His ability to bounce back from a significant injury could well determine the trajectory of the Cowboys' season.