Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was carted off the field on Thursday night and required assistance to reach the team bus following the game. After the Cowboys’ victory over the New York Giants, Parsons was seen limping and displayed a noticeable limp while exiting the team bus upon their return to Texas.
Initial reports suggest Parsons may have sustained a high-ankle sprain, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, although further evaluation through an MRI is necessary to confirm the exact nature of the injury.
Coach Mike McCarthy provided updates on Friday regarding Parsons’ condition as well as fellow defender DeMarcus Lawrence, who is dealing with a foot injury. McCarthy indicated that Lawrence’s situation is worse, and both players are seeking second opinions on their injuries, which he described as “worse than we anticipated.”
In a video captured after the game, Parsons can be seen carefully exiting the Cowboys’ team bus, further illustrating the impact of his injury.
Parsons suffered his injury with fewer than four minutes remaining in the game when he was blocked by Giants center John Michael Schmitz, who fell onto him. Parsons recounted, “As I was planting, a guy fell on me,” after the game. He confirmed that he had X-rays on his left ankle, which returned negative results.
The cart was employed to assist Parsons following his injury as he struggled to put weight on his left leg with the help of trainers. He was later taken to the locker room with his left shoe removed and continued to walk with a significant limp.
Recovery from a high-ankle sprain typically requires 6 to 8 weeks, involving damage to the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula. A study by the National Institutes of Health indicated that athletes generally take between 5 to 8 weeks to recover based on their treatment regimen.
The Cowboys have a 10-day break before their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 6, but it is uncertain if Parsons will be ready by then. Their home game against the Detroit Lions on October 13 may also come too soon for his return.
Dallas has a bye week in Week 7, returning to play on October 27 against San Francisco, which would mark four weeks post-injury for Parsons. Subsequent games include visits to the Atlanta Falcons (November 3), hosting the Philadelphia Eagles (November 10), hosting the Houston Texans (November 18), and visiting the Washington Commanders (November 24).