Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons finds the possibility of missing the Week 5 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers to be quite frustrating.
During a press conference on Monday, Parsons discussed the high-ankle sprain he sustained in last Thursday’s win over the New York Giants. The star pass-rusher, currently listed as week to week, expressed disappointment at the thought of being sidelined.
“You put a lot of energy into getting ready and being there for the team, so being out, this hurts me because I’m letting people down. I figured myself invincible for a while,” Parsons shared, as reported by DallasCowboys.com.
Although the 25-year-old linebacker has not been officially ruled out for the Steelers game, he recognizes that returning to the field quickly will require significant effort.
“I’m just trying to get back as fast as possible, but I don’t want it to linger,” Parsons added, highlighting his determination.
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Parsons has a history of durability, having never missed a game due to injury. With the Cowboys currently sitting at 2-2 and a Week 6 bye approaching, the team may opt to give their standout defender additional time to recover.
If Parsons is unable to play, he will join fellow pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who also sustained an injury against the Giants.
Parsons fell in the fourth quarter after an opponent landed on his left leg, while Lawrence exited in the third quarter and did not return.
Reports indicate that Lawrence could be sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a Lisfranc foot injury and may be placed on injured reserve.
In the absence of Parsons and Lawrence, the Cowboys may turn to second-round draft pick Marshawn Kneeland, along with Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson to bolster their defense.
Parsons emphasized the need for his teammates to step up in his potential absence.
“It’s time to man up,” Parsons stated. “We talk about the next man up mentality? … It’s time.”
Entering the season, Parsons was among the elite players, being one of only two individuals, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White, to record at least 12 sacks in each of their first three NFL seasons. He has one sack to his name so far this year.
Currently, Lawrence leads the Cowboys with three sacks through the first four games of the season.
