Cowboys to play linebacker Micah Parsons at DE due to defensive line injuries
Published: Sep 19, 2021 at 07:05 AM
Ian Rapoport
NFL Network Insider
Baldy's Breakdowns: Micah Parsons is the centerpiece of the Dallas defense
When the Dallas Cowboys drafted
Micah Parsons at No. 12, they selected the consensus top rated off-the-ball linebacker despite already being stacked at the position group. And just two weeks into the season -- out of a serious need -- they are already moving him.
The talented tackler from Penn State will essentially move to defensive end, sources say, beginning with Dallas' game
against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Thanks to the broken foot that
Demarcus Lawrence suffered at practice this week, along with
Randy Gregory landing on the COVID-19 list, there is a big-time void when it comes to rushing the passer. Parsons should help fill it.
With Parsons making a move,
Leighton Vander Esch should stay on the field in all packages along with
Keanu Neal, which is another added benefit of the Parsons shift. Neal may play added safety snaps this week, paving the way for more
Jaylon Smith snaps. Some tinkering for sure, but Dallas' D is confident it can perform.