The Dallas Cowboys defense will once again face challenges in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who has been sidelined since a Week 4 victory over the New York Giants due to a high-ankle sprain, has been officially ruled out. Additionally, All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, recently activated from injured reserve, will also miss the game after not playing this season due to foot surgery following the preseason.
Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips is another player ruled out, suffering from a persistent wrist injury.
Four other defenders are listed as questionable, along with future Hall of Fame offensive lineman Zack Martin. Notably, All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs is among those questionable for Sunday’s match due to a calf tear.
Also listed as questionable are starting linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder), defensive tackle Linval Joseph (foot), and linebacker Nick Vigil.
On a positive note, standout rookie cornerback Caelen Carson has been cleared to return.
With the ongoing injury issues, it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys perform against Atlanta this weekend, but all of Cowboys Nation can do now is hope for the best.
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Cowboys expected to acquire superstar running back during the offseason
The Dallas Cowboys’ rushing attack is in dire need of improvement, and a new prediction suggests they might acquire a superstar running back to bolster their efforts.
It’s widely acknowledged that the Cowboys are struggling significantly with their rushing game. They rank near the bottom in several crucial statistics, failing to establish a reliable ground offense. Recently, the team’s leading scorer was sidelined due to an unexplained illness, while the other running backs performed poorly.
Despite Jerry Jones not addressing the talent gap in the backfield during the offseason, change may be on the horizon. In light of the team’s struggles, the Cowboys are anticipated to tackle this issue in the offseason by targeting a top-tier running back.
According to PFF’s latest mock draft, the Cowboys are expected to select Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty. PFF notes, “The run game hasn’t been kind to the Cowboys in 2024 — on either side of the ball. They need a true running back who they can lean on, and Jeanty is the best in college football. He is having one of the most efficient and explosive rushing seasons ever recorded, boasting a 98.5 PFF rushing grade so far this year.”
Jeanty, a graduate of Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, has previously expressed his desire to join the Cowboys, envisioning himself as a “hometown hero.”
His head coach at Boise State has high praise for him. “This young man is a 10 out of 10 in everything he does,” said Boise State coach Spencer Danielson. “How he leads this team, how he motivates this team, and how he leads himself on a daily basis. He’s a generational talent-type kid in all facets.”
The responsibility now lies with Jerry Jones and his team to make the right decision.
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round on Thursday, April 24, followed by rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 25, and the final rounds on Saturday, April 26.
