## Injury Roundup: Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (Illness) Expected to Play vs. Buccaneers
### Parsons Battles Illness Ahead of Primetime Showdown
Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons is expected to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night despite battling an undisclosed illness, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy confirmed the news after Friday’s practice, where Parsons was a limited participant. “Micah is under the weather a little bit,” McCarthy said. “But he’s expected to play.”
### Parsons’ Impact on Cowboys Defense
Parsons has been a pivotal figure in the Cowboys’ resurgence this season, leading the league in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (20). His absence would have been a major blow to a defense that ranks among the top 10 in points allowed.
The 23-year-old’s presence on the field is particularly crucial against a Buccaneers offense led by Tom Brady. Brady has been known to exploit mismatches and weaknesses in opposing defenses, and Parsons’ ability to rush the passer and cover receivers makes him a key factor in limiting the Buccaneers’ production.
### Buccaneers’ Offensive Struggles
The Buccaneers have struggled offensively in recent weeks, scoring just 21 points in their last two games. Quarterback Tom Brady has thrown for just one touchdown in that span and has been intercepted three times.
The Cowboys’ defense, meanwhile, has been playing at a high level, allowing just 19.4 points per game. They have also forced 11 turnovers, tied for the third-most in the NFL.
### Buccaneers Seek Redemption
The Buccaneers will be looking to avenge their 19-3 loss to the Cowboys in last season’s NFC Divisional Round. Brady and head coach Bruce Arians have both expressed their determination to improve their performance from that game.
“We didn’t play well enough last year,” Brady said. “We have to be more efficient on offense and create more scoring opportunities.”
Arians echoed Brady’s sentiments, saying, “We have a lot to prove after last year’s game. We’re a different team now, and we’re ready to show it.”
### Game Preview
The Cowboys-Buccaneers matchup on Sunday Night Football is one of the most highly anticipated games of the NFL season. Both teams are looking to make a statement and position themselves as contenders in their respective conferences.
The Cowboys will be relying on Parsons to lead their defense and limit the Buccaneers’ offense. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to get their offense going and take advantage of any weaknesses in the Cowboys’ defense.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.