The Dallas Cowboys have officially decided that linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland will sit out Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Combined with the likelihood of cornerback Trevon Diggs also being unable to play, the Cowboys’ defense will be in a tough spot.

Parsons has been sidelined for four straight games due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 4 during a game against the New York Giants. Although the Cowboys won the matchup 20-15, they lost a vital member of their defensive unit in the process.

The linebacker was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has since has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times, underscoring his recognition as one of the league’s top players. Additionally, he has received First-Team All-Pro honors, further emphasizing his status as one of the best defenders in the NFL.

Yesterday Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said, “[Parsons is] here. He’s in the meetings. Until they clear the return to play with [Cowboys director of rehab] Britt [Brown], I really don’t even entertain that thought. So he’s not quite there yet.” It now appears that his caution was merited.

Bland sustained a stress fracture in his foot late in the preseason. Although the Cowboys activated him from injured reserve on Wednesday as his 21-day window came to an end, it appears he wasn’t able to practice. After almost making a comeback in Week 6, he faced an injury setback that kept him on IR until he was fully recovered. Now, it appears he won’t face the Falcons after all.

Bland was drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November 2023.

To make things even worse, it has been reported that fellow cornerback Diggs has a tear in his calf and has not been able to practice this week. Although the injury report lists him as “questionable,” it seems probable that the Cowboys will be short three very key members of their defense. As such, the team will be relying on Caelan Carson, Andrew Booth Jr., and C.J. Goodwin for Sunday’s game against the Falcons