The Cowboys have had trouble generating pressure on quarterbacks without Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has a foot injury.
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys will have to wait at least another week for the return of pass rusher Micah Parsons and record-setting cornerback DaRon Bland.
Parsons was ruled out for a fourth consecutive game with a high ankle sprain, and Bland’s season debut won’t come Sunday at Atlanta after surgery for a stress fracture in his foot late in the preseason.
The Cowboys (3-4) have had trouble generating pressure on quarterbacks without Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who is on injured reserve with a foot injury. Both were injured Sept. 26 against the New York Giants .
Bland, who set an NFL record by returning five interceptions for touchdowns last season, was activated off injured reserve this week, meaning the Cowboys had to find a roster spot for him.
Dallas cleared room for Bland by putting cornerback Amani Oruwariye on IR after he hurt his back in last weekend’s 30-24 loss at San Francisco.
Parsons is missing games because of an injury for the first time in his three-plus seasons. The two-time All-Pro and Lawrence are by far the most accomplished pass rushers on the Dallas roster.
The Cowboys are on their second two-game losing streak of the season going into the visit to the NFC South-leading Falcons. Dallas lost consecutive games just twice in the three previous seasons combined while making the playoffs at 12-5 each year.
Rookie cornerback Caelen Carson, who was Bland’s replacement to start the season, is listed as questionable after missing the past four games with a shoulder injury.
Dallas also ruled out defensive tackle Jordan Phillips even though he was a full practice participant all week. Phillips spent time on IR with a wrist injury.