5 Texas-sized questions with the Landry Hat for Texans-Cowboys matchup

1) The Cowboys have done a good job at limiting points and keeping offenses out of the endzone as much as possible. With Micah Parsons getting more and more involved with the defense, what are his expectations heading into this week’s game? Or which defensive player/unit needs to be better?

SM: We should get to see the Cowboys’ 2021 first-round draft selection, linebacker Micah Parsons, play his most snaps of the preseason against the Houston Texans this Saturday in the dress rehearsal game. By all accounts, it should be an indication of just how much of a difference-maker he can be on the defensive side of the ball and how much he deserves to start when the regular season kicks off.

As for a unit that needs to play better in this matchup, all eyes will be on the interior defensive line this week following the elbow injury suffered by second-year defensive tackle Neville Gallimore last Friday. Someone from this revamped unit has to step up in his place if the team is going to improve on their lackluster run defense from last season that saw them ranked 31st in the NFL allowing an average of 158.8 rushing yards per game.

2) The NFL world is waiting for the return of Dak Prescott after last year’s gruesome injury. Will we get to see Prescott in this game? When he does return, do you think he may struggle to regain a connection with his offense?

SM: I know the plan is for Dak Prescott to potentially play against the Texans in what would be his lone appearance of the preseason. But honestly, there’s no reason to risk him. While he’s started to throw again after suffering a lat strain in his right shoulder, this latest scare only supports the idea of protecting him from further injury (and himself) as much as possible. So don’t be surprised if No. 4 is on the sidelines in this one as well. But when he does return, I don’t expect him to struggle based on his hot start from last season and the fact this is his third year playing in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s scheme.