Cowboys Receive Frustrating Micah Parsons Injury Update Ahead of Week 9

It has been a deeply frustrating season for the Dallas Cowboys for various reasons. The team hasn't clicked on either end of the field and has been dealing with significant injuries to key players all season.

Even Micah Parsons, who has never missed a game due to injury throughout his football career, has had to miss several games after spraining his ankle in Week 4.

It has been five weeks since Parsons went down, and he has yet to return to practice. The Athletic's Jon Machota reported on Thursday that the pass rusher would remain in the rehab group. Head coach Mike McCarthy described his status as "he is not quite there yet."

NFL News: Cowboys DE Micah Parsons Still Not Practicing

This is a disappointing development. No one expected Parsons to miss four games, especially when there was a bye week in between. McCarthy's description all but confirms that Parsons will not be available on Sunday against the Falcons.

The lack of transparency about the injury is certainly frustrating. If Parsons were going to miss four games, why not put him on the IR list and make an addition to the roster? Why not consider trading for a pass rusher especially when DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland are also out with injuries?

The Cowboys follow their trip to Atlanta with games against the Eagles, Texans, and the Commanders. If they don't get healthy, that slate could produce disastrous results for Dallas, potentially ending their season early. The Falcons' dynamic passing offense will be the first of many tough challenges awaiting the Parsons-less Cowboys defense.

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