Cowboys Get Huge Micah Parsons Update as Dak Prescott Injury Rocks Dallas Ahead of Week 9
The Dallas Cowboys‘ week got off to a rocky start, as a 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was followed by the disappointing news that quarterback Dak Prescott will be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Although Prescott hasn’t yet been placed on injured reserve, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the star quarterback is expected to miss “multiple weeks,” leaving the Cowboys in a precarious position with their record now sitting at 3-5.
With a crucial Week 9 matchup looming against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. However, the Cowboys do have a glimmer of hope. Micah Parsons, their dominant defensive playmaker, could be ready to return just in time to help the team weather this storm.
Prescott’s Injury Throws a Wrench Into Dallas’ Plans
The Cowboys have relied heavily on Prescott’s leadership, but his hamstring injury now casts doubt over their chances of competing in the ultra-competitive NFC East. While Dallas has managed to remain competitive with Prescott at the helm, the team has struggled to string together wins, dropping to 3-5 after another heartbreaking loss.
The timing of Prescott’s absence is especially concerning, given the importance of the upcoming game against the 7-1 Eagles. With Dallas already sitting at a sub-.500 record, a loss to Philadelphia would make it exceedingly difficult to keep pace in the NFC playoff race. As of now, the Cowboys are projected to be 6.5-point underdogs at home, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, a reflection of both their current struggles and the loss of their quarterback.
Micah Parsons Set to Return
On a more positive note, Dallas may get a major defensive boost in the form of linebacker Micah Parsons, who is reportedly on track to return in Week 10. Adam Schefter reported that Parsons “should be back” when the Cowboys host the Eagles on Sunday, a much-needed injection of talent as the Cowboys look to right the ship.
Parsons, 25, has been on the shelf since Week 4 with a high ankle sprain, but his return could have a significant impact on both the defensive side of the ball and the overall morale of the team. Dallas’ defense has noticeably struggled without him. From Weeks 1 to 4, the Cowboys allowed an average of 26 points per game with Parsons in the lineup. Since his injury, that number has ballooned to 30.5 PPG over their last four contests.
Despite Parsons’ absence, the Cowboys have been able to generate pressure, but it’s clear they’ve missed his game-changing ability. The former Penn State standout has been one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers since entering the league as the 12th overall pick in 2021. With at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons, Parsons quickly established himself as one of the most disruptive defenders in the game, finishing in the top 3 for the Defensive Player of the Year voting in each of his first three seasons.
Although Parsons has not posted the sack numbers expected of him this year—just one sack through four games—his impact has still been felt. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks as the 11th-best edge rusher in terms of pass-rushing grade (82.8) and 13th overall among all defenders (82.4). This shows that even when he isn’t registering sacks, Parsons continues to affect the game with his pressure, versatility, and ability to disrupt offenses.
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A Vital Return for a Desperate Cowboys Team
Even if Parsons isn’t 100% on Sunday, his return could provide the spark the Cowboys need to keep their playoff hopes alive. Facing an Eagles team that leads the NFC East, Parsons’ presence on the field will be critical in limiting Philadelphia’s high-powered offense, especially with quarterback Jalen Hurts coming off a hot stretch of play.
With Prescott out, Dallas will need every bit of defensive production they can muster. The loss of a franchise quarterback is never easy, but with a player like Parsons on the field, the Cowboys can remain competitive, even if their offense takes a step back. The defense has shown they can win games in the past, but they’ll need to tighten up even more if they want to keep this season from spiraling further out of control.
The Week 9 Showdown: All Eyes on AT&T Stadium
Sunday’s game against the Eagles at AT&T Stadium will be a make-or-break moment for the Cowboys. It’s not just a rivalry game; it’s a game that could determine the direction of their season. If they can rally together—bolstered by a strong defensive performance from Parsons and backup quarterback play—Dallas can still stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.
With the quarterback situation in flux and the pressure mounting, the Cowboys’ defense has to step up. Micah Parsons could be the key to that happening.
Dallas fans will be hoping for a defensive masterpiece, a bounce-back game for Dak Prescott when he returns, and a team that can show resilience when facing adversity. If the Cowboys can find a way to knock off the Eagles, they’ll give themselves a chance to turn the season around. But with their star quarterback sidelined, every player in a blue jersey will have to elevate their game.
