Micah Parsons Eyes Week 10 Return
Micah Parsons, the dominant edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, is inching closer to making his comeback after being sidelined by a high ankle sprain sustained during Week 4. The three-time All-Pro has been absent at a challenging time for the Cowboys' defense, and his potential return in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles couldn't come soon enough.
The Cowboys have felt Parsons' absence acutely. Across the games he has missed, the team has conceded nine passing touchdowns and failed to notch a single interception. Their quarterback pressure rate has plummeted to 34.4%, placing them at a concerning 17th in the league. Additionally, the Cowboys have struggled to secure takeaways, tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL with just five to their name this season.
Parsons, known for his relentless pressure and game-changing plays, acknowledges the difficulty of recovering from a high ankle sprain — an injury notorious for its lingering effects. "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," he admitted, illustrating the frustrating nature of his recovery process.
Anticipated Return and Challenges
Preparations for his return are already underway, with Parsons aiming to test his readiness during Thursday’s padded practice. "You know my chance [to play this week] is high," Parsons expressed. "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."
After receiving an MRI, it was revealed that his injury was more complex than initially perceived, extending his recuperation timeline. Despite the setbacks, Parsons remains determined to rejoin his team. His competitive spirit is palpable as he stated, "Once I’m playing, I'm playing. That's just the competitor in me."
The impact of his absence has not gone unnoticed by Parsons, who remarked on the difficulty of watching his team struggle, especially in tight games. "Obviously I felt like it's tough just because I feel like I can make an impact in those games," he noted. "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."
Looking Forward: A Turnaround in Dallas?
Parsons’ return could be the catalyst needed to revitalize the Cowboys' defense. His presence brings not only formidable skill but also a morale boost that can galvanize a struggling unit. The high stakes of the upcoming match against the division rival Eagles further amplify the importance of his return.
Reflecting on his initial optimism for an earlier comeback, Parsons confessed, "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?'" This mindset epitomizes his eagerness to return to form and contribute on the field, demonstrating the determination that has characterized his career thus far.
His intention to "go full go" during practice this week underscores his readiness to engage at a high level once again. Parsons emphasized the need to physically prepare by saying, "Yeah, I just have to go full go. I got to be back in pads."
The Cowboys' faithful hold their breath in anticipation, knowing that Parsons’ return could mark a turning point in what has been a turbulent season. As Dallas prepares for a critical showdown with one of their fiercest rivals, all eyes will be on Parsons — a player who has consistently shown he can rise to the occasion.