The Dallas Cowboys defense has been hit by the injury bug throughout the first few weeks of the season, but there is some hope that it can get closer to full strength after the bye week.

DaRon Bland, who was placed on injured reserve before the season due to a foot injury, was designated to return, and star player Micah Parsons, who suffered a sprained ankle during a win against the New York Giants, are two players who could provide an immediate boost.

Micah Parsons has reportedly made progress, but head coach Mike McCarthy said we won’t know more about his status for the Week 8 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers until midweek.

MORE: Micah Parsons injury update provided by Micah Parsons

On Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made his weekly radio appearance onShan and RJ on 105.3 The Fan of Audacy and provided an update on Bland and Parsons that raises doubts about their availability.

Jones indicated that the duo will be the decision of the moment of the match.

“You can’t tell today,” Jones said. “We will not be able to know their availability before the match”

It would be nice to have All-Pro defenders back on the field, but it’s smart to take a conservative approach.

However, if the players can show throughout the week of practice that they are progressing and can impact the game without putting themselves in further danger, putting them on the field against a short-handed 49ers offense will bring the Victory Cowboys.

And we all know that’s something Dallas could use.

— Enjoy free Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Cowboys on SI —

NFC East power rankings ahead of Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season

2025 NFL Draft order updated after Week 7: Where do the Cowboys stand?

Dallas Cowboys Week 8 Game Could Be a Loser’s Out of Town Scenario

Mike McCarthy’s assessment after weeks off: Are the Cowboys doomed?

Are the Dallas Cowboys doomed to fail against the 49ers?

Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading Rookie