The Cowboys will "essentially" move LB Micah Parsons to DE starting today against the Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The shift comes out of need, as Dallas lost DE Randy Gregory (COVID list) and DE Demarcus Lawrence (foot fracture) over the past week. As a result, LB Leighton Vander Esch "should stay on the field in all packages, along with Keanu Neal," Rapoport reports. Neal could see more snaps at safety this week, with S Donovan Wilson (groin) also out. That would leave more playing time available for Jaylon Smith. Vander Esch played just 22% of defensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to Tampa, while Smith played just 25%. Parsons led the group at 78%, with Neal just 1 snap behind. There will obviously be risk in using any of the Cowboys LBs in IDP lineups for Week 2. But Parsons, Neal and LVE all look usable at varied levels. We'd try to hold off on trusting Smith's snap share for now, as the likely 4th guy in order of playing time here. The move also hurts the IDP upside for Parsons by cutting down on his tackle opportunities. We've adjusted them all in our Week 2 LB rankings.

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.