Right now, the Cowboys linebacker is a little short-staffed. The cowboy team has already seen two players from this position enter the COVID-19 list in recent days. Now, a third has been added and it is a loss that in another context could be very worrying. And it’s about rookie Micah Parsons.
This Wednesday, the Cowboys included Parsons in the COVID-19 protocol. Due to the times, it was highly unlikely that the Penn State product would play this week against the Eagles. This despite recent modifications to the NFL’s security protocols, which reduced the time of reinstatement of the players.
Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has entered COVID-19 protocol. His status for Saturday at Eagles is now in doubt.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 5, 2022
However, this Thursday morning Parsons was already ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Eagles. This was reported by Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Cowboys. At a press conference, McCarthy noted that the rookie would not travel to Philadelphia with the rest of the team.
After this, the current projection is that Parsons is recovered for the start of the playoffs next week. In fact, Micah is also expected to be quite “hungry” when he returns. This is how he let it be seen through his Twitter account this Wednesday, assuring that he will return stronger than before.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy: “Micah (Parsons) will not play in the game. That’s clear. He will not make the trip to Philadelphia.” Parsons tested positive Wednesday for COVID-19.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 6, 2022
I saddened by the news I feel like I let my team down and Dallas cowboys nation! I’ll be back better than ever!! I’m only going to be more hungry! See you soon #lion????
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) January 5, 2022
How does Parsons’ discharge affect Dallas this week?
While the loss of Micah Parsons is still sensitive for the Cowboys defense, the timing of it minimizes its impact.
For one thing, this week’s game between Dallas and Philadelphia is almost inconsequential. Both teams are already qualified for the playoffs, and their qualifying spots would only change with a combination of other results. In that section, the cowboy team has more at stake by still aspiring to a second or third place. And to do that, a complicated combination of results must occur this week.
Because of this, the absence of Parsons is easier to digest this week. Had it happened during the postseason it would have been a serious blow to the cowboy defense. And this is something that reporters, fans and even Dallas players agree on. Such is the case of cornerback Trevon Diggs, who made it known to the press this Wednesday.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs on LB Micah Parsons: “We were just informed that he had COVID.” On timing of development: “This is a better time than if it happened next week or whenever the playoffs are around.” Parsons is expected to be cleared before first round.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 5, 2022
Besides, and despite the loss of Parsons, the Cowboys recovered another of their linebackers. This Wednesday, Keanu Neal left the COVID-19 list and returned to the active roster. With this, Dallas has three linebackers for the game in Philadelphia: Leighton Vander Esch, Luke Gifford and the aforementioned Neal. Additionally, the recently signed Devante Bond could be elevated from the practice squad heading into Saturday.
Cowboys LB Keanu Neal has been activated from Reserve/COVID-19. He practiced today. Some help at position with Micah Parsons added to COVID-19 protocol this morning.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 5, 2022
Other movements on the COVID-19 list
On the other hand, Micah Parsons was not the only one to enter the Dallas COVID-19 list. The Cowboy team also included defensive tackle Josiah Bronson, who recently signed to the practice squad, on Wednesday.
With this, the Cowboys have five players within security protocols. Aside from Parsons and Bronson, the others are linebacker Francis Bernard, offensive tackle Josh Ball and kicker Hunter Niswander. It is worth noting that Niswander and Ball are on injured reserve, although the latter was designated to return to practice soon.
Besides, Keanu Neal’s discharge was not the only one. Cornerback Kyron Brown also exited the COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday. After this, Brown was reinstated to the Dallas practice squad.
The @dallascowboys made the following transactions on Wednesday:
Placed on Reserve/COVID-19:
– LB Micah ParsonsActivated from Reserve/COVID-19:
– LB Keanu NealPlaced on Practice Squad/COVID:
– DT Josiah BronsonRestored to Practice Squad:
– CB Kyron Brown— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) January 5, 2022
Last minute updates
However, the loss of Micah Parsons will not be the only one. This Thursday, at the time of writing, it became known that two more players were included in the COVID-19 list: cornerback Anthony Brown and offensive tackle Tyron Smith. Likewise, cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Donovan Wilson appear questionable for Saturday showing signs of illness. Therefore, we must wait for future reports on the condition of these two defensive backs.
For now, let’s hope the Cowboys don’t add any more casualties from COVID-19. However, we know that this virus will be a conditioning and unpredictable factor for all teams in the postseason. Let’s just hope that, in Dallas’s case, there won’t be untimely casualties of big players during the playoff weeks.
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