The Dallas Cowboys are set to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 without two of their defensive stars, as edge rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland were ruled out on Friday. This development adds to the Cowboys’ ongoing struggles with defensive injuries that have impacted much of their 2024 season.
Parsons, who has been sidelined since September 26 with an ankle injury, was officially ruled out following a week of missed practices. In his four appearances this season, Parsons recorded 14 tackles, including two for a loss, six quarterback hits, and a defended pass, reminding opponents why he’s been a Pro Bowl player in each of his NFL seasons.
Cowboys officially ruled out DE Micah Parsons and CB DaRon Bland for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2024
In addition to Parsons, All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, recently activated from injured reserve, will also miss Sunday’s game. Bland was reinstated to the active roster on Wednesday when his 21-day practice window expired, but he will still not be ready for game action. Bland’s performance last season, highlighted by his league-leading nine interceptions, earned him first-team All-Pro honors, marking him as a crucial player in Dallas’s defensive secondary.
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips joins Parsons and Bland on the Cowboys’ inactive list after an unexpected turn of events on Friday. Despite practicing in full throughout the week, Phillips was ruled out in a move that has yet to be clarified by the team. Phillips has been integral in stopping the run and anchoring the defensive line, and his absence creates another challenge for a defense already lacking depth.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have listed five players as questionable: cornerback Trevon Diggs, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, linebacker Eric Kendricks, guard Zack Martin, and inside linebacker Nick Vigil.
As the Cowboys prepare for a crucial matchup against the NFC South-leading Falcons, these key absences will likely force Dallas to rely on their depth and adaptability.
