Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence that Micah Parsons will play in the team’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite ongoing contract negotiations and concerns about a back injury. Parsons, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, has requested a trade after being dissatisfied with the lack of progress on an extension.
When asked if Parsons’ status as a hold-in while seeking a contract extension would impact game planning for the upcoming opener on Sept. 4, Schottenheimer said it did not affect their approach because they expect him to be ready. “No, cause I think at the end of the day, we feel like Micah’s gonna be out there when we line up against Philadelphia here in 15 days or whatever it is,” Schottenheimer said. “So, no.” When pressed further on whether Parsons would play regardless of having a new deal in place, Schottenheimer responded: “I feel good that Micah’s gonna be out there against the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Schottenheimer also commented on Parsons’ efforts to stay prepared despite not participating fully in practices due to back soreness. “He takes great care of his body,” Schottenheimer said. “Again, you’d like it sooner rather than later, but Micah’s gonna be prepared.” He added that Parsons’ participation in walkthroughs and meetings should help speed up his readiness: “That’s a huge advantage,” Schottenheimer said.
Parsons attended training camp practices in Oxnard, California, but continued to deal with back soreness as camp concluded on Wednesday. Despite these issues and reports that there has been no recent contact between Parsons’ agent and Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones regarding an extension, Schottenheimer remained positive about Parsons’ availability for Week 1.
There is precedent for late-stage contract resolutions within the franchise; last year wide receiver CeeDee Lamb held out until agreeing to an extension on Aug. 26, while quarterback Dak Prescott signed his latest deal just before the season started.
Jones previously downplayed Parsons’ trade request by describing it as merely part of ongoing negotiations and told fans not to worry about it. However, days later Jones indicated uncertainty about whether Parsons would take the field for Week 1.
Despite these uncertainties regarding contract talks and health concerns, Schottenheimer believes his first season as head coach will begin with Parsons on the field.
