Cowboys Linebacker Micah Parsons: 'I'll Take the Field if I'm Able'

Dallas Cowboys All-Star linebacker Micah Parsons is eager to play, but the knee scooter and protective boot he had with him while speaking to reporters on Monday indicated that his left high-ankle sprain may require him to sit out for a while.

Parsons sustained the injury during the Cowboys' 20-15 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday, but he was not ready to confirm that he will not be playing in his team's upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday.

However, he did acknowledge the possibility of missing his first-ever game due to an injury, from his days in youth leagues all the way up to the NFL.

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"I used to think I was invincible," Parsons said. "But now I am humbled."

The only game he has missed with the Cowboys was in 2021 due to COVID-19.

"It's just so frustrating," Parsons said. "Going from being ready and being there for my team, to being sidelined, it hurts because I feel like I am letting people down."

If Parsons does miss the game against the Steelers and the October 13th matchup against the Detroit Lions, he could potentially have a month to recover before the Cowboys' next game on October 27th against the San Francisco 49ers.

While he admits that a longer recovery time may sound appealing in theory, it is not something he is eager to do.

"As a true competitor, you only get 17 chances at this, and missing one of those chances to perform at the highest level really bothers me," Parsons said. "So I want to play this Sunday. If I am able to play, I will."

He also expressed his desire to not be sidelined at the same time as DeMarcus Lawrence, who suffered a foot injury against the Giants and is expected to be out for several weeks. In case he is unable to play, Parsons has already started discussing with his teammates how they can step up in his absence.

However, replacing Parsons will not be an easy task.

The 25-year-old has been selected as a first-team All-Pro in two of his three previous NFL seasons and has averaged 13.5 sacks per year since being drafted by the Cowboys with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.