Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons hits sideline with injury vs Patriots

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons exited his squad’s Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots in the second quarter. The defensive star required medical attention on his ankle after he got tangled up with Patriots offensive lineman Trent Brown.

Parsons initially re-wrapped his ankle but ended up hobbling off to the sideline again after attempting to return to play. In a positive sign for his status for the second half, the third-year player stayed on the team bench next to DeMarcus Lawrence instead of leaving the field.

He managed to get back on the field before the two-minute warning.

“We saw him get stepped on, it looked like he twisted his knee a little bit,” sideline reporter Erin Andrews shared. “They put him in the tent and now he’s back out there.”

The Cowboys lead the Patriots 16-3 in the first half. After settling for a field goal to begin the game, the defense stepped up with a strip and fumble recovery on Pats quarterback Mac Jones. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch managed to scoop up the fumble for a score.

Then, Mike McCarthy opted to pull out a trick play on the extra-point attempt. Holder Bryan Anger took the extra point snap but instead of putting it down for kicker Brandon Aubrey, he tossed it to Chauncey Golston for two more.

Later in the first half, Dak Prescott led the Cowboys on a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a two-yard touchdown run by Tony Pollard.

Cowboys weigh options on Tyron Smith

The Dallas Cowboys are playing their second straight game without starting left tackle Tyron Smith on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The veteran has been nursing an ankle injury but despite taking Week 3 off, he still had to sit out of practice leading up to the Week 4 game.

Smith’s injury’s persistence, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones, doesn’t yet have the team considering a move to injured reserve. An IR designation would mean a mandatory four weeks off. In the last seven seasons, Smith has missed at least three or more games each year.

Although the Dallas offensive line practices with players flexing positions on a regular basis, they’re not quite to the point of moving Tyler Smith back to left tackle where he played last season after the veteran’s significant leg injury. Instead, they’re keeping the second-year player at left guard and trying out free-agent pickup Chuma Edoga at tackle, for now.

This summer, Mike McCarthy addressed Smith’s durability after he’s missed numerous games over the past few seasons.

“Tyron’s been here every day,” McCarthy said. “Five days in the weight room. He’s definitely preparing himself for that.”