Micah Parsons injury update: Latest on Dallas Cowboys defender's status vs. 49ers

Dallas has played its last two games without Micah Parsons. An ankle injury suffered against New York in Week 4 has kept him on the sidelines but thankfully off Injured Reserve. The hope was for Parsons to rest during the bye week and potentially play against San Francisco on Sunday night.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave the latest on Parsons’ status heading into the game, not having the best news. Parsons did not practice on Wednesday, usually a critical day for injured players when looking to play. At the time of Schefter’s report, no injury report has been provided by the Cowboys as Parsons still has a chance to practice on Thursday and Friday.

“He didn’t practice yesterday, which is not a good sign for his availability, especially considering the Dallas Cowboys are coming off a bye week,” Schefter said Thursday on ESPN’s NFL Live. “Clearly, he’s not fully recovered from that high ankle sprain that he suffered in that Thursday Night game against the New York Giants.

“We’ll see if he can get some practice time in for the remainder of the week. But his status at the very best is up in the air for Sunday night in a game where the Dallas defense desperately needs their best defensive player.”

From a statistical standpoint, Parsons is not having the best year of his career. Through four games played, he has recorded just 14 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one sack. Quarterback hits are currently at six, well below his pace from a year ago.

Even so, it’s obvious the Cowboys need him back out there. Parsons is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and his presence alone is enough to have offensive tackles worried. Dallas has been quite vulnerable in the run game as well — not the best area to struggle in leading into a game vs. the 49ers.

Based on what Schefter says, it may be another week before No. 11 gets back on the field.