Dallas’ injured stars and their return dates

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.