When can Cowboys’ injured players return to the field? Timetables for Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and more

With the Dallas Cowboys scheduled for some rest this weekend, it's as good a time as any to go over some of the expected timetables for key players that have been missing games due to injury. 

Although we don't know the exact return of any one player, we do have ways to approximate when they'll be back on the field wearing the silver and navy. 

Let's recap when each player can return as it's one of the biggest reasons for optimism you can find for the 2024 Cowboys as on-field struggles persist.

EDGE Micah Parsons: Potentially @ San Francisco 49ers (Week 8)

Although Micah Parsons wasn't placed on Injured Reserve, his return seems to be in question as far as Week 8 goes. Head coach Mike McCarthy recently told reporters that it's no guarantee that the defensive superstar will be ready to go after the bye.

However, it appears that from the start, the idea was to allow Parsons to recover through the bye week. After all, he's of the utmost important for the Cowboys and there's no point in risking him re-aggravating injury. 

The 49ers game would be perfect timing for Parsons to come back, as Dallas badly needs a win, but it's no guarantee.

CB DaRon Bland: Likely @ San Francisco 49ers (Week 8)

Since DaRon Bland was activated to practice last week, he's recorded two full practices before being shut down last Friday. It certainly looks like he was close to playing against the Detroit Lions but the Cowboys opted for caution to take advantage of the bye. However, the fact that he was a full participant makes him likely to be activated for the upcoming game against the 49ers. 

It's worth noting that the Cowboys will have to activate Bland to the 53-man roster before Week 9 at the latest, otherwise he'd miss the remainder of the season per the Injured Reserve rules. 

Earliest vs Philadelphia Eagles (Week 10): 

• WR Brandin Cooks
• EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence
• EDGE Marshawn Kneeland

The above players all entered IR after the Cowboys' win over the New York Giants, making them all eligible to return for Week 10's NFC East showdown against the Eagles. However, that's only the minimum timetable to return from IR. For Lawrence, the reported timetable was anywhere between 4-8 weeks, meaning there's not a clear date for his return. Kneeland's injury was reported as 4-6 weeks.

As far as Cooks goes, there should be more optimism as he should be ready to go sooner. Jane Slater from NFL Network reported that the wide receiver would feel great within three weeks from the time of the news.