Is Micah Parsons playing tonight? Latest updates for Cowboys pass rusher

The Dallas Cowboys might have picked up a win over the New York Giants last week, but there was little optimism following the game in light of the injuries to defensive stalwarts Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

There was hope that Parsons and Lawrence avoided major injuries, but further testing revealed Lawrence suffered a significant foot sprain. He was placed on injured reserve this week and will miss at least the next four games.

The Cowboys actually received good news regarding Parsons. The All-Pro pass rusher was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, but not a severe one. As an ultimate competitor, Parsons said he would do everything possible to play Sunday night against the Steelers.

However, Dallas prepared this week as if Parsons won't be available. Returning 10 days after suffering a high-ankle sprain could have major consequences down the road. Sure enough, it has been annoucned that Parsons won't play in Week 5.

Cowboys star Micah Parsons won't play vs. Steelers in Week 5

This is a tough blow for the Cowboys, albeit not an unexpected one. As badly as Dallas needs Parsons out there, he was spotted in a walking boot and using a scooter to move around the locker room earlier this week.

At the end of the day, the Cowboys should be able to beat the Steelers without their all-world defender. Pittsburgh is arguably the most banged-up team in the league. They are down three starters on their offensive line and shift running back Jaylen Warren.

It's not out of the realm of possibility that Dallas holds Parsons out until after the Week 7 bye. The Lions are up next, but giving Parsons almost a month to recover so he's ready for the Week 8 showdown against the 49ers might be the smartest play.

“That probably makes sense to some,” Parsons said about missing the next two games, “but when you’re a real competitor, you only get 17 chances at this, and missing one of these opportunities to perform at the highest level bothers me. I feel like I want to play on Sunday. If I can play, I will play. As long as I can run and move how I move, I want to play.”

It might be a different story if this was Week 16 and a playoff berth was on the line, but Parsons' long-term health is all that should matter to the team.

In the meantime, Cowboys fans should expect to see plenty of Marshawn Kneeland, Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat against the Steelers.

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