Breaking News: Micah Parsons summits resignation letter to Dallas Cowboy’s board because of…..

Cowboys’ Defense Faces Injury Crisis as Micah Parsons Submits Resignation Letter…

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a major defensive crisis after star linebacker Micah Parsons submitted a resignation letter to the team’s board, citing a “personal decision” in his departure. The news comes on the heels of Parsons and fellow defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffering injuries in Week 4’s victory over the New York Giants.

The resignation letter, which was reportedly submitted late last night, states that Parsons is stepping away from the game to focus on “personal matters.” While the exact nature of these matters remains unclear, sources close to the team suggest that Parsons is seeking a change of scenery and a fresh start.

“All things considered, that is superb news for the three-time All-Pro linebacker,” said one source. “He has at least some chance of taking on the Steelers after the fortuitously timed mini-bye week and, even if he doesn’t, could see his odds of battling the Detroit Lions increase, with the actual bye week arriving thereafter before another all-important bout with the San Francisco 49ers.”

While Parsons’ departure is a major blow to the Cowboys’ defense, the team is facing another significant challenge in the form of injuries to Lawrence and Parsons. Both players are currently undergoing evaluations, and their status for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains uncertain.

“DeMarcus Lawrence is probably a little bit longer, in terms of how long he’ll take,” head coach Mike McCarthy explained. “But all of these things will be situations that — as we get our hands around them over the next couple of days — we’ll see where they go.”

McCarthy also expressed concern about Lawrence’s prognosis, stating that his injury is “worse than anticipated.” He added that both Lawrence and Parsons are seeking second opinions.

“Both Micah and DeMarcus are getting second opinions,” McCarthy said. “I think those injuries are specific to each guy, and [Lawrence’s] is worse than Micah’s. I don’t have a specific timeline, but we’ll get into that a little deeper on Monday. I do know there will be second opinions on both of these guys.”

McCarthy acknowledged that both injuries are “worse than anticipated,” though it’s unclear what the baseline is for that measuring stick. The Cowboys were initially hopeful that neither player would miss time, given that they had 10 calendar days before their next game.

If so, things are indeed worse than anticipated, though also not as season-shattering as they could’ve been; and McCarthy did state neither will be out for the season.

That said, it’s a defense that lost Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler to Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders in free agency and then Sam Williams to a torn ACL at the start of training camp, the use of a 2024 second-round pick on Marshawn Kneeland quickly morphing into perfect timing for such a pick, and after cycling through players like Al-Quadin Muhammed and Shaka Toney at defensive end, signing Carl Lawson for depth provides some insurance.

Lawson was elevated for the second time from the team’s practice squad against the Giants, and his defensive reps were turned up from only eight in the Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens to nearly three times that amount (22) in Week 4 — a trend that will likely continue into the Steel City.

Phil Hoskins is also an option on the practice squad as would be moving Chauncey Golston back to defensive end for assistance but, if it does turn out to be an issue that lingers, and given their behavior in training camp regarding free agency, more help could be on the way.

It just doesn’t appear defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is interested in a wait-and-see approach to his defense, and especially not on his defensive front (e.g., Linval Joseph signing, Jordan Phillips trade, Carlos Watkins poaching).

Both Zimmer and McCarthy have been in this league for decades now and they understand adaptation is the name of the game, because players get banged up, and others have to step in.

“It’s part of the game,” said McCarthy. “It’s just a matter of when.”

The Cowboys’ defense is facing a major test, and their ability to adapt will be crucial to their success this season. Parsons’ departure and the injuries to Lawrence and Parsons leave a gaping hole in the team’s defensive unit, and it remains to be seen how the Cowboys will respond to this challenge.