Even the most talented and feared players in the NFL are susceptible to cold and flu season. That may be what keeps Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons from continuing the tear he’s been on lately. The defensive game-wrecker sat out Friday’s practice, and his status for Sunday night’s primetime matchup is in question. Five other Cowboys players are considered 50/50 as well.
A knee injury claimed wide receiver Jalen Brooks during the week and will keep him sidelined in Week 16.
For the Buccaneers, safety Antoine Winfield is out with an knee injury, and wide receiver Kameron Johnson is out with an ankle. Linebacker K.J. Britt and tight end Cade Otton are doubtful to suit up, and safety Mike Edwards is questionable.
Here’s a closer look at the Cowboys who have a gameday designation as of Friday.
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LB Micah Parsons – Questionable
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Parsons popped up on the final report of the week with an illness. He did not participate in Friday’s practice is officially listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game. During a call-in with 105.3 The Fan, though, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones hedged his bets a bit, saying, “I’d be surprised if Micah doesn’t come around. You never know with these flu bugs. He should be fine.”
CB Jourdan Lewis – Questionable
Nov 24, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) attempts to make a catch as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) defends during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Lewis was limited all week after suffering an elbow injury during last weekend’s win in Carolina. He said then that he felt “good” and that he expected to be fine for Week 16, but he is now classified as questionable for when the Bucs come to town.
LB Eric Kendricks – Questionable
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 18: Eric Kendricks #50 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a defensive stop against the Houston Texans during the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The veteran linebacker did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and was limited on Friday. The reason given is a two-parter, both “non-injury rest – personal” but also “calf.” Kendricks did not practice for most of last week either, but he was fine to suit up and go versus the Panthers.
Safety Juanyeh Thomas – Questionable
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 17: Juanyeh Thomas #30 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a defensive play during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Thomas has not seen the field since Thanksgiving Day as he continues to nurse a knee injury. He was limited this week in practice but has been wearing a brace and is considered questionable for Sunday night. He told reporters he expects to play.
OG T.J. Bass – Questionable
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) blocks during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Bass has performed well as a reliever along the Cowboys offensive line this season. He didn’t participate in the Wednesday walkthrough with a thigh injury, was limited on Thursday, and sat out again Friday. He’s a 50/50 proposition to see the field against Tampa Bay.
LB Nick Vigil – Questionable
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 09: Nick Vigil #41 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts to a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Vigil has taken the vast majority of his snaps on special teams this season. Dealing with a foot injury, he was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday, but he returned in a limited capacity to finish the work week. He’s uncertain for Sunday.
WR Jalen Brooks – Out
Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (83) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) and cornerback Michael Jackson (2) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
One of the heroes of last week’s win in Charlotte, Brooks reportedly hyperextended his knee on the final play of Thursday’s practice. As a result, he did not participate Friday and has already been declared out of this week’s game.
