Cowboys push to get Micah Parsons back on the field as Week 1 looms
Dallas Cowboys fans have nine days to see All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons back in uniform as the team prepares for the season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4. Parsons has not practiced during training camp in Oxnard, California, opting for a hold-in as contract negotiations continue. An MRI on Parsons’ back last week came back clean, but the stance from Dallas has shifted toward public clarity: Parsons is medically cleared to practice, signaling that his absence is tied to talks rather than health.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Tuesday that, while there is always a possibility of more tests, the team does consider Parsons cleared for practice. He also revealed that he and Parsons spoke for about an hour in a one-on-one session on Sunday, covering a range of topics, including the recent image of Parsons alone on the training timeline during Dallas’ preseason win over the Falcons.
“Micah and I had a long conversation, probably an hour about a lot of different things,” Schottenheimer said. “It was a very, very good conversation.” The coach noted that he plans to keep the exact details of their talk private, but stressed the positive tone of their exchange.
With the week ahead, the question isn’t whether Parsons will play in Week 1, but how quickly he ramps up. Schottenheimer cautioned against expecting Parsons to be on the field for every snap, suggesting a gradual plan will be in place as he returns. Still, he remains confident Parsons can be a disruptive force for a Dallas defense that will face a stiff test right out of the gate.
There’s also a contrast in how Parsons approached the offseason compared to fellow star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million extension a year ago. Lamb accepted a long-term deal after a year of negotiations, while Parsons has chosen a different path, staying around the facility and participating in some walkthroughs and team meetings.
“Having the conversations with him and even having a conversation with some of the players today just reminds you the people said of this business is really important,” Schottenheimer said.
The broader implication is clear: if negotiations linger, they could begin to impact Dallas’ football operations as the clock continues to tick toward Sept. 4. The Cowboys’ plan is to get Parsons back on the field as soon as he’s ready, but the emphasis remains on a measured ramp-up rather than an immediate, full-speed return.
Takeaway: Parsons’ return is pivotal not only for Dallas’ pass rush but for the team’s rhythm heading into a high-stakes Week 1 matchup. The استمرار of negotiations adds a chapter to a season already built around a championship-caliber opponent, and all eyes will be on how quickly the two sides bridge the gap while Parsons re-enters a defense that could use his disruptive presence from the first snap.
Optional extra context for readers:
– What to watch next: whether Parsons is listed on the 53-man roster and how quickly he participates in on-field drills this week.
– Impact to the defense: Parsons’ return could significantly bolster Dallas’ pass rush and overall edge pressure against a potent Eagles offense.
– Why this matters: a productive Week 1 performance could set the tone for both the Cowboys’ season and the ongoing contract discussions.
Summary: As Dallas countdowns to its season opener, Micah Parsons remains a central figure not just for his impact on the field, but for what his return signals about the balance between performance and contract negotiations in the modern NFL. The team appears committed to a cautious, ramped-up return rather than a quick, all-out appearance, aiming to have Parsons at peak readiness when it counts most.