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Lions fans get an early October treat on Sunday night. Coming off a big win over the Seahawks, we get to revel in the bye weekend by watching our next opponent, the Cowboys, play in a standalone national game vs the Steelers.
What will be especially intriguing to watch is how the Cowboys compensate for the loss of multiple significant players from last week. Making it directly relevant is these players will also likely all be out for the Lions game. I’ll run down these injuries as well as what to watch for during the game.
Micah Parsons, DE – left high ankle sprain
Parsons hurt his left high ankle last week and left the game. On video, it didn’t appear too serious but even a mild high ankle can sideline a player for longer than you might expect because of the instability it causes in the joint. What will delay his return even more is that Parsons elite game involves bending and quick cuts off the edge which require tremendous ankle strength and flexibility.
Leading up to the game this week, Parsons had three NP’s (no practices) and was ruled out. The lack of any practices along with the type of injury suggests it’s unlikely he’ll play against the Lions next week.
Demarcus Lawrence, DE – right foot Lisfranc
Like Parsons, Lawrence was hurt last week and left the game. While Parsons has an outside chance to play vs the Lions, Lawrence has no chance as he has already been placed on IR. His Lisfranc injury is expected to be a 4-8 week recovery.
Brandin Cooks, WR – knee joint infection
Cooks played the whole game last week, but after the game, had a knee injection that caused a knee infection. On Saturday October 5, Cooks was placed on IR which means he’s out for the Lions game.
The fact that Cooks was getting injections for his knee means that there is some underlying problem with the knee. This by itself could warrant some time off. Dramatically compounding the problem is the joint infection which can cause significant swelling, loss of range of motion, and full body symptoms like fever and malaise.
The joint infection requires IV antibiotics and drainage of the joint. In Cooks case, a knee scope procedure was performed to drain the infection as well as trim the meniscus. The aforementioned knee injection may have been to control pain and inflammation due to a torn meniscus. That’s a lot of things going on in a knee thus the move to IR.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR ON SUNDAY NIGHT
How will the Cowboys perform without two star edge rushers? Will they be able to generate a pass rush without them and will they increase their blitzing? Filling their void will be Marshawn Kneeland, a 2nd-round pick this year with no sacks, and Chauncey Golston, a 4th-year player with 4.5 sacks in his career.
While Brandin Cooks hasn’t been overly productive this year with just nine receptions for 91 yards, it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys adjust to his absence. In addition to star WR CeeDee Lamb, who put up 227 yards vs the Lions last year, there may be increased targets for Jalen Tolbert who has 13 receptions for 160 yards this season. Minimally utilized WR’s KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks could see more action also.