Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence that star edge rusher Micah Parsons will play in the team’s Week 1 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite an ongoing contract dispute and trade request. This assurance comes amid stalled negotiations and Parsons’ absence from practice due to a back injury.
Who: The key figures involved are Micah Parsons, a standout defensive player for the Dallas Cowboys, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Owner Jerry Jones is also central to the contract discussions, with Parsons’ representatives and the front office playing roles in the negotiations.
What: The news revolves around Schottenheimer’s prediction that Parsons will be on the field for the season opener, countering concerns from Parsons’ trade request and contract holdout. Parsons has been sidelined from practice, citing a back injury, while publicly airing frustrations over the lack of progress in extension talks.
When: The statements were made on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during the Cowboys’ training camp. The season opener against the Eagles is scheduled for September 2025, with the team preparing for roster cuts by August 26.
Where: The developments are centered at the Cowboys’ training camp facility in Oxnard, California, and later in Texas, as the team returned from camp. The Week 1 game will be held in Philadelphia.
Why: The conflict stems from Parsons’ desire for a contract extension, which has not materialized despite his high performance. Parsons feels misled by the organization, leading to his trade request. Schottenheimer’s comments aim to reassure fans and teammates amid the uncertainty, while the Cowboys management, under Jones, insists on keeping Parsons but has not engaged in recent negotiations.
How: Parsons has been participating in camp as a spectator, not practicing, and has used social media to voice his frustrations, including a detailed post explaining his reasons for wanting a trade. The Cowboys have exercised Parsons’ fifth-year option and could use franchise tags in future seasons, but the lack of communication has escalated the situation, with ESPN analysts like Adam Schefter suggesting a potential ‘divorce’ between the player and team.
Impact: This situation affects team morale, defensive strategy, and fan confidence, as Parsons is a key player. It could influence roster decisions, such as keeping extra pass rushers, and has broader implications for NFL contract negotiations and player-team relationships. If Parsons holds out or is traded, it could significantly weaken the Cowboys’ defense and impact their season performance.
What’s Next: The immediate focus is on whether Parsons will indeed play in Week 1 and if contract talks resume before the season starts. The Cowboys must finalize their roster by August 26, and Parsons’ status will be closely watched. Long-term, this could lead to a trade if no resolution is found, or a contract extension if negotiations reopen, setting a precedent for how teams handle star players in disputes.