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Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer feels 'good' about hold-in Micah Parsons playing in season opener vs. Eagles 

There's been no movement toward an extension.

There's also a back ailment that's of concern.

Nonetheless, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer offered an optimistic take Wednesday that star pass rusher Micah Parsons will be on the field for his team's season opener Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Asked if Parson's hold-in whilst seeking a contract extension negatively impacts game-planning, Schottenheimer said it didn't, because the plan is for Parsons to be on the field.

"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."

Pressed as to whether he believed Parsons would play with or without a new deal, Schottenheimer kept his retort simple.

"I feel good that Micah's gonna be out there against the Philadelphia Eagles," Schottenheimer said.

The 26-year-old Parsons is entering the final season of his rookie contract, with the 2021 first-round pick due a club option $24 million in base salary.

Parsons, upset that negotiations have never transpired, requested a trade on Aug. 1. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones responded a day later by saying the request was nothing to "lose any sleep over" and merely a negotiation tactic. Then on Aug. 4, Jones said he wasn't confident Parsons would play in the season opener.

Throwing further doubt into the mix is that while Parsons has been in attendance for training camp practices in Oxnard, California -- which concluded Wednesday -- he's been dealing with back soreness.

Again, Schottenheimer was optimistic that the four-time Pro Bowler can and will be ready for the Eagles, offering no deadline that Parsons would need to meet to start practicing prior to the NFL Kickoff Game.

"He takes great care of his body," Schottenheimer said. "Again, you'd like it sooner rather than later, but Micah's gonna be prepared."

Schottenheimer added that Parsons has been in walkthroughs and meetings, which should expediate the readiness process.

"That's a huge advantage," the rookie head coach said.

Cowboys contract drama has a history of dragging on through the summer. Just last year, CeeDee Lamb held out until he agreed to an extension on Aug. 26, 2024, and quarterback Dak Prescott signed his latest extension on the Sunday of Week 1.

So there's precedent that offers hope Parsons and the Cowboys will come to an agreement and he'll be on the field against Philly.

However, with no contact between Parsons' agent and Jones, the outlook dims a bit.

Not for Schottenheimer, however, as he offered a positive view that his first season as the Cowboys' head coach will kick off with Parsons suited up and good to go.

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