Micah Parsons could see time at defensive end this season

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons could see some time at defensive end this season following the loss of star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence for an extended period

“He can definitely play on the edge,” Cowboys defensive end Tarell Basham said Thursday. “Naturally athletic, naturally gifted, naturally knows how to rush the passer. I wouldn’t be surprised. Would you?”

Parson played linebacker at Penn State, but primarily played defensive end coming out of high school.

As a senior at Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) High School, Micah Parsons recorded 55 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss from the defensive end position. Parsons finished his high school career rated as a five-star prospect.

In his first game with the Cowboys, the first-round pick recorded seven total tackles and one pass deflected.

With DeMarcus Lawrence suffering broken foot in practice on Wednesday, and the Cowboys linebacker room currently featuring Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch Jabril Cox and Luke Gifford, Dallas can afford to move Micah Parsons down to defensive end situationally.

The Cowboys will likely be without Randy Gregory in Week Two against the Los Angeles Chargers after Gregory tested positive for COVID-19. With depth issues at the position, the Micah Parsons could see time at defensive end as soon as Sunday against the Chargers.

At Penn State, Parsons moved to linebacker and developed into a first-round pick over two seasons. He recorded 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in two seasons, before opting out for the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

DeMarcus Lawrence suffers broken foot, update on return

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence broke the fifth-metatarsal in his foot in practice on Wednesday, and will require surgery, but could return within six-to-eight weeks.

DeMarcus Lawrence is in his eighth NFL season. In his career, Lawrence has recorded 305 tackles and 45.5 sacks. Lawrence’s best season came in 2017, recording 58 tackles and 14.5 sacks. In his career, Lawrence has earned two Pro Bowl invitations in 2017 and 2018. Lawrence earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.

DeMarcus Lawrence’s injury is more unfortunate news for the Cowboys who lost lost wide receiver Michael Gallup and offensive tackle La’El Collins for an extended period. Gallup was placed on injured reserve after suffering a calf injury in the season opener. Collins was suspended for five games after violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy. 

Starting defensive end Randy Gregory will likely miss the Cowboys week two matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers after testing positive for COVID-19