Superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons has yet to play a football game since the Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Giants in Week 4. From the start, Week 8 appeared to be the target for Parsons’ return, as he wasn’t placed on Injured Reserve and a bye in Week 7 appeared to provide perfect timing.

However, days away from the NFC clash under the lights of Sunday Night Football, Parsons’ status remains a big question mark. On Monday, the star defender talked to the media and didn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence regarding his game status.

“It’s still in the air,” Parsons told reporters via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “My hopes are always very high. I love great challenges. I love being able to beat the odds. I’m gonna put this up to my trainers and my coaching staff.”

While Parsons said it was still up in the air, the bits about playing being a “great challenge” and that he’ll have to “beat the odds,” make it seem as it’d take a surprise for him to be ready to go.

Obviously, not having Parsons to go up against the 49ers would be tough to overcome. The Cowboys’ defensive line is very banged up and San Francisco has been able to punish the unit even when healthy in the last few years. With no Parsons and no DeMarcus Lawrence, things could get real ugly for Mike Zimmer’s squad.

Earlier on Monday, head coach Mike McCarthy didn’t provide details on Parsons’ status but did say he spent the bye at the facility rehabbing from his ankle injury.

The Cowboys’ opening injury report of the week will come out on Wednesday. Parsons will be the biggest name on it, but DaRon Bland will be another player to watch closely as he was trending to play in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions before being shut down on the final practice of the week.

Eric Kendricks could also return, but the Cowboys will see how they progress throughout the week before making a decision.