Cowboys conclude preseason as Parsons looks on

ARLINGTON, Texas — The preseason for the Dallas Cowboys has concluded — now the focus shifts to the Micah Parsons Watch.

At 4:35 p.m. CT, about two and a half hours prior to the kickoff of Friday’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, Parsons strolled down the corridor to the Cowboys’ locker room while munching on nachos. An Atlanta supporter touring the stadium called out to him «Join the Falcons,» prompting Parsons to gesture a ‘call me’ sign to his ears.

As he neared the locker room entrance, he made a similar sign as fans cheered for him.

Throughout the game, Parsons was the sole player not in a jersey on the sidelines. Instead, he donned a navy hoodie with grey sleeves and a winter hat. At the beginning of the third quarter, Parsons reclined on the medical table behind the bench as the Cowboys’ offense advanced down the field.

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Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned he was unaware of Parsons’ actions, stating «I was calling the game.»

«Ultimately, we’ll review the film and speak with everyone involved to create a thorough assessment of our performance both on and off the field,» Schottenheimer noted.

Following the game, Parsons — who has removed references to the Cowboys from his social media — responded to an X post highlighting that he was only on the medical table briefly.

«I genuinely appreciate this,» Parsons commented on social media. «The way media constructs perception and narratives is astonishing—and if he hadn’t commented, everyone would have just accepted it. I would never disrespect the players out there battling for their livelihoods.

Parsons opted not to respond to questions after the Cowboys’ 31-13 victory, but cornerback Trevon Diggs did field some inquiries on his behalf, even revealing that Parsons had an MRI on his back Friday.

During June’s minicamp and once more at the start of training camp, Parsons acknowledged dealing with back tightness. He received treatment while in Oxnard, California, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones believed the back issue was comparable to the trade request — merely part of the negotiations for a long-term deal.

When asked if he believes Parsons will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, Diggs responded, «It depends on how his back feels. I know he was quite sore this morning. He went and got it examined. That’s the latest information I received from him.»

Over the last couple of days, Jones praised Parsons, asserting that the offer he believes they agreed upon in March would have been the largest guaranteed sum given to a non-quarterback. However, Jones also stated on Michael Irvin’s YouTube Channel that when the Cowboys attempted to send the details to Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, they were told to «stick it up our ass.»

Schottenheimer conveyed confidence that Parsons would play against the Eagles.

Given the events of the past couple of days, does Schottenheimer still maintain that confidence?

«I do,» he confirmed.