**Dallas Cowboys Face Major Defensive Setbacks Ahead of Match Against Detroit Lions**

The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with several key injuries as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Top pass rusher Micah Parsons is set to miss his second consecutive game due to a high left ankle sprain. Additionally, the team will be without their leading tackler Eric Kendricks, who has been sidelined by shoulder and calf injuries. Kendricks, who has tallied 52 tackles this season, did not practice all week and was officially ruled out on Friday.

The Cowboys have a bye scheduled for October 20 and hope to have Kendricks back in action by October 27 when they face the San Francisco 49ers. Kendricks has been instrumental in the Cowboys' defense, playing in over 91% of the snaps this season. His stats include 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 3 quarterback pressures, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized Kendricks' value to the team, calling him the "quarterback" of the defense due to his leadership and deep understanding of their defensive schemes.

With Kendricks out, there is uncertainty over his replacement. Linebacker Nick Vigil, who has a foot injury, is listed as questionable after missing practice this week. The team's final practice session on Saturday will determine his availability for Sunday's game. In the meantime, the Cowboys are likely to elevate Darius Harris from the practice squad to fill the gap.

The Cowboys' defensive unit has been plagued with injuries recently. Aside from Parsons and Kendricks, DeMarcus Lawrence is on injured reserve with a foot injury. Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland also sustained a knee injury that required surgery, adding another name to the injured reserve list. To compensate, the Cowboys have brought Carl Lawson up to the 53-man roster and have KJ Henry ready for action.

However, not all the updates are dismal. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland, who missed the first five games due to foot surgery, is listed as questionable but may return to make his season debut. Another Pro Bowl cornerback, Trevon Diggs, is also expected to play after overcoming an illness that kept him out of practice on Thursday.