The Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 4 in an emotional game that will feature multiple players matching up against former teams.
Both teams are set to enter this matchup following disappointing losses in Week 3, with the Cowboys losing to the Chicago Bears and falling to 1-2, and the Packers losing to the Cleveland Browns, dropping to 2-1.
This game will mark the first time that defensive end Micah Parsons will return to Dallas to take on his former team, though Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the team is not planning a tribute video for the four-time Pro Bowler.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate this way,” he said, per NFL.com. “Emmitt [Smith] was a different story. That’s not to diminish Micah. I think Micah has enough welcome out there, and we just need to show that we’ve got antidotes for that.”
Despite putting together an impressive career with the Cowboys that included 52.5 sacks and 256 total tackles across four years, Parsons said he understands why the organization would be wary of a tribute.
“There’s a lot of things that I could consider disrespectful throughout this process, but I wouldn’t say the tribute is one of them. You know, there’s hard feelings maybe there for them. But, you know, for me, I’m happy where I’m at, and we’ve got a really good football team. So, I guess I could leave you my tribute in a win,” he said, per Kyle Malzhan.
However, Parsons said that he expects a “good round of applause” at AT&T Stadium, stating that he knows it will be a “great atmosphere” to play in, per Jon Machota.
Meanwhile, Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark will take on the Packers, an organization where he spent the first nine seasons of his career, for the first time since the trade.
Clark said he is excited to meet with many of the players with whom he grew close during his time in Green Bay, but those reunions will have to take place either before or after the two teams play each other.
“When it’s gametime, I’m in the game. If those guys want to come up, I ain’t seeking it out. It’s all love, and they know it’s all love. After the game or before the game, we can do that, but I ain’t seeking out for nothing. I’m trying to win the game,” he said, per Jon Machota. “I’m here to win. I’m gonna play my ass off and do everything I can for us to get a win.”
Unfortunately, Dallas will be without multiple key players for this matchup.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, wide receiver Ceedee Lamb and offensive guard Tyler Booker each sustained high ankle sprains in Week 3 and are expected to be out this week, with both players having the potential for a stint on the Injured Reserve list.
Additionally, Dallas could be without cornerback Trevon Diggs due to a knee injury, and the availability of cornerback DaRon Bland is still uncertain as he recovers from a foot injury.
The game will be at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night, September 28. Kick off will be at 7:20 p.m.