Lions fans what to look for in Week 5 at the Dallas Cowboys

Lions fans get an early October treat on Sunday night. After a big win over the Seahawks, we can enjoy the bye weekend by watching our next opponent, the Cowboys, take on the Steelers in a standalone national game.

It will be particularly exciting to see how the Cowboys compensate for the loss of several key players from last week. What makes it directly relevant is that these players will likely all miss the Lions game, too. I will discuss these injuries and also what to look out for during the game.

Micah Parsons, DE – Left upper ankle sprain

Parsons injured his upper left ankle last week and left the game. It didn't seem too serious on video, but even a slightly elevated ankle can sideline a player for longer than you'd expect due to the instability it causes in the joint. What will delay his return even further is that Parsons' elite game involves flexes and quick cuts off the edge that require tremendous ankle strength and flexibility.

Before this week's game, Parsons had three NPs (no practice) and was ruled out. The lack of any practice and the nature of the injury suggest he will not play against the Lions next week.

Demarcus Lawrence, DE – right foot Lisfranc

Like Parsons, Lawrence was injured last week and left the game. While Parsons has an outside chance of playing against the Lions, Lawrence has no chance as he has already been placed on IR. Recovery from his Lisfranc injury is expected to take 4-8 weeks.

Brandin Cooks, WR – Knee joint infection

Cooks played the entire game last week but suffered a knee injection after the game that caused a knee infection. On Saturday, October 5, Cooks was placed on IR, meaning he will be out for the Lions game.

The fact that Cooks received injections for his knee means there is an underlying problem with the knee. This alone could justify a break. The problem is dramatically exacerbated by a joint infection, which can cause significant swelling, limited movement and full-body symptoms such as fever and malaise.

The joint infection requires intravenous antibiotics and joint drainage. In Cook's case, a knee endoscopic procedure was performed to drain the infection and shorten the meniscus. The knee injection mentioned above may have been to relieve pain and inflammation from a torn meniscus. That's a lot of things that happen in a knee, so the move to IR.

What to look out for on Sunday evening

How will the Cowboys perform without two star edge rushers? Without them, will they be able to create a pass rush and will they strengthen their blitz attack? Filling their void are Marshawn Kneeland, a second-round pick this year with no sacks, and Chauncey Golston, a fourth-year player with 4.5 sacks in his career.

Although Brandin Cooks hasn't been particularly productive this year with just nine receptions for 91 yards, it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys adjust to his absence. In addition to star WR CeeDee Lamb, who rushed for 227 yards against the Lions last year, there may be increased targets for Jalen Tolbert, who has 13 receptions for 160 yards this season. WR KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks, who were used minimally, could also see more action.