Under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium, Dallas wrapped up its preseason undefeated but overshadowed night with one player drawing more attention in stillness than on the field.
Micah Parsons, the Cowboys‘ reclusive star linebacker, watched from the sidelines in a hoodie and winter cap, without a jersey, quietly broadcasting the growing rift that now shapes the storyline heading into Week 1.
Slumped on a medical table behind the bench to start the third quarter, Parsons became a still image loaded with subtext.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs confirmed Parsons had an MRI on his back Friday, a light it acknowledged during Parsons’ brief social-media reply: “I actually appreciate this… [media] shapes perception and narratives is wild, and… I’d never disrespect the guys out there fighting for their lives.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer didn’t have a clue what was happening.
He added, “At the end of the day, we’ll look at the film and we’ll talk to everybody involved and we’ll have a great assessment of how we did both on and off the field.”
Trevon Diggs spoke candidly postgame: “It depends on how his back feels. I know he was real sore this morning. He went and got it checked out. That’s the last thing I heard from him.”
He also acknowledged the frustration fueling the divide: “He’s one of our star players. He’s the heart and soul of this team. I just wish things weren’t how they are… but everybody has to do what’s best for them at the end of the day. I feel like just leave it in God’s hands and God will figure it out for everyone.”
The discord between the Cowboys and Parsons has escalated. Jerry Jones he received a vulgar message from Parsons‘ agent, David Mulugheta, which Mulugheta has since denied.
What this means for the Cowboys’ Week 1 plans
With the preseason closed, Dallas now awaits clarity, both medically and contractually, on Parsons‘ availability. His back remains a day-to-day question.
And with no formal deal reached, it appears Dallas is preparing to carry Parsons into the season on the fifth-year option, worth roughly $21.3 million, for this year.
In the absence of progress on a long-term extension, tensions are mounting. Owner Jerry Jones portrays a willingness to let Parsons play under the option. At the same time, analysts warn the cost of delay may only climb and Parsons retains leverage unmatched by the Cowboys since.
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