Dallas Cowboys make significant COVID-19 related roster moves

The Dallas Cowboys are in prime position to make a run in the NFL playoffs — and if star players are going to have to miss any game, the best scenario is to miss the regular season finale.

Dallas has already clinched the NFC East and secured a playoff spot.

Still, on Wednesday, the Cowboys announced several significant moves related to COVID-19.

“Cowboys activated Keanu Neal from COVID-19 list, placed Josiah Bronson on COVID-19 list, restored Kyron Brown to practice squad with Micah Parsons placed on COVID list,” Aaron Wilson tweeted

While the addition of Neal is key for the Cowboys’ secondary on a defense that appears to be the core of the team as they chase a Lombardi Trophy, the Parsons news is unsettling, even though the defensive star should be good to go when games matter the most as long as there aren’t any setbacks.

Dallas Cowboys top defensive star to COVID-19 list

Earlier on Wednesday, the Cowboys added star linebacker Micah Parsons to the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Week 18’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Under the league’s new guidelines, which come in response to the CDC’s updated suggestions, he will still not be able to clear protocols in time for the game without two negative tests.

He’s not only been one of the best players on the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s also been the top defensive player in the entire league and added a dimension to Dan Quinn’s defense that has created havoc for opposing offenses.

In his rookie season, Parsons has emerged as one of the NFL’s most versatile defenders and thrown his hat into the Defensive Player of the Year award race. He has recorded 84 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over 16 games, adding three pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

Micah Parsons should be able to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list for the Dallas Cowboys’ first playoff game, whether they land a bye week or play in the wildcard round.