FRISCO, Texas – Injuries have lingered from training camp all the way to week eight of the season for the Dallas Cowboys, causing some key players to miss time as Dallas tries to find their footing through a 3-4 start. Let’s take a look at where injured Cowboys are in their recovery and returning process:
Micah Parsons (ankle) – Dallas’ premiere pass rusher has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain against the New York Giants back in week four. The Cowboys decided not to put Parsons on IR. He was out with the rehab group on the practice field in the week leading up to the Cowboys matchup against San Francisco and did not practice, focusing on cord work off to the side. This week, both Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy have said it’s too early in the week to determine whether or not Parsons has a chance to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
DaRon Bland (foot) – Jones and McCarthy also said that it was too early to say whether or not DaRon Bland will be available against the Falcons. Bland suffered a stress fracture in the last week of training camp, and has yet to play this season after his All-Pro campaign in 2023. Bland was nearly able to return to the lineup against the Lions in Week 6, but suffered a setback later in the week that held him out of the game and has still lingered. Bland was also part of the rehab group this past week leading up to the 49ers game, where he did not participate in any practices during the week. The Cowboys will have to make a decision on Bland by Wednesday, as his 21-day practice window closes then. Bland will either need to be added to the active roster, or be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) – The Cowboys’ other high-end defensive end also went down in the Week 4 contest against the Giants, but Lawrence’s injury was more severe. He was placed on injured reserve by the team on October 1, and his already missed three of the required four games since he sustained his injury. Whether or not Lawrence will be ready to go after the Cowboys play Atlanta on Sunday is still to be determined, with Cowboys executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones saying after Lawrence sustained the injury that he was “week to week” but not ruled out of any contests. The earliest Lawrence would be able to play is November 10, when the Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brandin Cooks (knee) – The veteran wide receiver was the third Cowboy to come out of the Giants game in Week 4 with an injury, after undergoing a procedure on his knee that led to an infection, which led to a clean-out surgery. While Cooks’ 21-day window has yet to be opened, he was seen off to the side on the practice field doing cord work for the first time last week. He too will be eligible to return on November 10 against the Eagles.
Marshawn Kneeland (knee) – With their two starting defensive ends down, hopes were high that rookie Marshawn Kneeland would gain some valuable experience in their absence. Then, he left the game early against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 after suffering a non-contact injury to his knee. Kneeland went on to have a arthroscopic procedure the following week, a good sign that meant he wouldn’t be out for the rest of the season. Kneeland headed to injured reserve on October 9, meaning the earliest he can return is November 18 when the Cowboys host the Houston Texans for Monday Night Football.
Jordan Phillips (wrist) – Following Dallas’ loss to the New Orleans Saints in week two, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was “favoring his wrist” according to Jerry Jones. That led to him being placed on injured reserve, and Phillips has now missed five games since. The Cowboys activated his 21-day practice window on October 23 and Phillips was a full participant in practice the entire week leading up to Sunday’s game against San Francisco, but he was still ruled out and did not play.
Chuma Edoga (toe) – Edoga suffered an injury to his big toe during the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and has been on injured reserve ever since. Dallas has yet to open his practice window, but Edoga is eligible to return at any time when healthy.
