When will injured starters such as Micah Parsons return for the Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys are fresh out of the bye week and preparing for a key matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night on the west coast, but they will still be battling the injury bug throughout the week as they look to return multiple key injured starters.
Arguably the most notable injury development throughout the week revolves around defensive end Micah Parsons who has been nursing a high ankle sprain that he suffered in the team’s week four win over the New York Giants. Despite remaining in Frisco to rehab his ankle during the bye week every day in the team facility, it is “looking more likely” that he will return for the team’s week eight contest against the Atlanta Falcons rather than this week in San Francisco, a source says.
The Cowboys are also looking to return a separate All-Pro defender in cornerback DaRon Bland who is awaiting his season debut after suffering a foot fracture in training camp. While he is more likely to play than Parsons, a decision on Bland’s availability won’t be made until the weekend after a rehab work and practice this week. The 2023 league-leader in interceptions was on pace to make his debut against the Detroit Lions before a late-week setback downgraded him from a full practice participant to a non-participant.
After opening his 21-day practice window on Oct. 9, the Cowboys will have until Oct. 30 to activate Bland off the injured reserve and onto the active roster in order for him to play again this season.
Bland’s backup in rookie Caelen Carson has been nursing a shoulder injury he suffered in the team’s week three loss against the Baltimore Ravens that has progressed only minimally in the four weeks since having it fall awkwardly to the turf. Carson was able to return to the practice field following the bye week on Wednesday, as his status will also be monitored throughout the week with the expectation he could be ready to return on Sunday.
A fellow rookie in starting left tackle Tyler Guyton is expected to be a full participant in practice this week and a full go for Sunday’s game in San Francisco barring a setback to his injured knee that kept him out of the team’s loss to the Lions.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) will remain on the injured reserve until at least Nov. 4. Cooks’ infected knee is receiving treatment and has been a “frustrating” process for the veteran pass-catcher. His timeline will be more clear early next week. Lawrence isn’t expected to return until closer to the team’s Thanksgiving matchup against the New York Giants.
Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday with his shoulder injury that forced him to miss the Lions game, as he continues to trend in the right direction toward playing on Sunday in San Francisco.
