The Cowboys have started rookie Micah Parsons and converted S Keanu Neal at LB in each of their past 2 preseason games. It looks as though that pair will lead the playing time at the position. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch did mix in heavily with the 1st-team defense against Houston on Saturday, though. The ascension of the 2 new guys is noteworthy. Smith has been a full-time player and carries 1 of the league's largest cap numbers among off-ball LBs (nearly $10 million), and LVE is a former 1st-round pick who has dealt with injuries the past couple of years. Parsons, of course, arrived in Round 1 of this year's draft. Neal has history with new DC Dan Quinn, having played for him in Atlanta. The exact playing-time breakdown in this crowded corps is likely still working out, so we're wary of over-committing to any Dallas LB in IDP leagues. Parsons looks like the player with the highest upside and makes for a nice LB3 option (if he lasts). Neal could be a worthwhile late flier in deeper drafts. We've updated our projections for the group this week.

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons is questionable for Thursday night's game against the Titans with a left-hand injury that limited his practice the past 2 days. He said after Tuesday's workout that he still expected to play. The team has ruled out LB Leighton Vander Esch (shoulder), which will boost the playing time for LBs Anthony Barr and Damone Clark. Check our Week 17 IDP rankings to see whether either should factor into your fantasy football plans.

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (illness), CB Trevon Diggs (illness) and EDGE Dorance Armstrong (knee) are all active for today's game against the Eagles, despite entering the day questionable. Use any as planned in your IDP lineups.

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (shoulder) is active for today's game against the Bears. S Malik Hooker (hamstring) is inactive. That could deliver a slight boost to the playing time of safeties Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson.

The Cowboys expect LB Micah Parsons (shoulder) to be ready for today's game against the Bears, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He belongs in IDP lineups for the high-upside sack matchup. S Malik Hooker (hamstring) is a game-time decision. Try to avoid using him after he missed the entire practice week.

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (shoulder) and S Malik Hooker (hamstring) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears. HC Mike McCarthy said Friday he doesn't have "high concern" that Parsons will miss the game, so we should be good to use him in a high-upside sack matchup. Hooker didn't practice all week and shouldn't be in IDP lineups even if he's active.