The Dallas Cowboys are looking to pick up their third straight win on Sunday when they return home to play the Detroit Lions.
The injury bug has decimated the Cowboys’ defense over the last two weeks as Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and rookie Marshawn Kneeland are all banged up. It’s not ideal to have all three pass rushers missing, given that this Lions’ offense can put up points in a hurry.
However, the good news for the Cowboys is that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is expected to be back on the field after being on injured reserve to start the season with a stress fracture in his foot.
But when it comes to Dallas’ defensive line, they will likely not have Parsons, who is still working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 4 against the New York Giants.
Cowboys News: Micah Parsons Likely to Miss Second-Straight Game
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the star pass rusher did some light rehab work for his high left ankle sprain on Thursday. Archer adds that it’s looking like he will miss his second-straight game.
The Cowboys survived without Parsons in last week’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, thanks to the production from second-year defensive end Tyrus Wheat. Wheat stepped in for Kneeland, who was carted off the field in the first quarter.
The 24-year-old defensive lineman recorded three total tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a half-sack. Dallas will be looking for Wheat to step up again on Sunday against one of the better offensive lines in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Dallas having the Week 7 bye opens the door for Parsons to potentially return in a huge NFC showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. However, the Cowboys must get past the Lions first at Jerry World.