Cowboys teammate on Micah Parsons position change
Dallas Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons may have to play a different position this week. Due to injuries suffered by DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, we may see Parsons line up at defensive end at times today.
According to Cowboys defensive end Tarell Basham, the former Penn State star will be just fine.
“He can definitely play on the edge. That guy’s an athlete,” said Basham via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “He’s naturally athletic, naturally gifted, and naturally knows how to rush the passer. I wouldn’t be surprised. Would you?”
Additionally, Parsons mentioned that he’s more than happy to play wherever he’s needed.
“It just depends on how things are going throughout the game. If I’m needed … I’m more than happy to help the team out,” said Parsons.
Moreover, while Parson played linebacker at Penn State, he primarily played defensive end coming out of high school.
As a senior at Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) High School, Micah Parsons recorded 55 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss from the defensive end position. Parsons finished his high school career rated as a five-star prospect.
At Penn State, Parsons moved to linebacker and developed into a first-round pick over two seasons. He recorded 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in two seasons, before opting out for the 2020 season due to COVID-19.
In his final season with the Nittany Lions, Parsons accumulated five sacks and 14 tackles for loss. As he searches for his first sack in the NFL, he could see an extended opportunity to find it today.
While the position may be new to Parsons in the NFL, it’s something he has experience doing. Evidently, he’s had success playing defensive end as well.
Dallas Cowboys: Injury Woes
Unfortunately, the Cowboys are hurt by injuries along their defensive line.
Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence broke the fifth-metatarsal in his foot in practice on Wednesday, and will require surgery. However, he could return within six-to-eight weeks.
Moreover, Lawrence is in his eighth NFL season. In his career, Lawrence has recorded 305 tackles and 45.5 sacks. Lawrence’s best season came in 2017, recording 58 tackles and 14.5 sacks. In his career, Lawrence has earned two Pro Bowl invitations in 2017 and 2018. Lawrence earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
Lawrence’s injury is more unfortunate news for the Cowboys who lost wide receiver Michael Gallup and offensive tackle La’El Collins for an extended period.
Additionally, starting defensive end Randy Gregory will likely miss the Cowboys week two matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers after testing positive for COVID-19.
In Week 2, the Cowboys need a victory to avoid falling to 0-2 out of the gate. Evidently, it’s all hands on deck — as Micah Parsons could be all over the defense as they look to get a victory today.