Takeaways from Cowboys' final week of OTAs: Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs absences, notable plays, injury updates

New York Times

6 days ago

FRISCO, Texas — Micah Parsons was absent from the Dallas Cowboys' organized team activities Tuesday, continuing a pattern of non-attendance over the previous two weeks as he pursues a new contract.
Is that disappointing?
'No, that's part of the business,' Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. 'All teams go through it. … He's staying connected. He's having great communication with Coach (Brian Schottenheimer) and his staff, so we feel really good about that.'
Jones declined to provide updates on contract negotiations, saying: 'No different than anything else. I'll let you know when it happens.'
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on if there are any more moves to be made to improve the roster: 'We don't have anything that's on the front burner.'
So nothing to the Jalen Ramsey rumors?
'No, he plays for the Dolphins.' pic.twitter.com/zvLSZOntBe
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 3, 2025
I will be there! I haven't missed a mini camp in 4 years! Even though the contract is not done, I have teammates and a playbook ! I'm preparing as if I will be on the field the first week of camp! But it's in the owner's hands. I'm ready to win a Super Bowl ! https://t.co/gMsfQEDYo7
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 4, 2025
Despite missing practice, Parsons arrived at The Star facility shortly after Tuesday's session concluded but did not speak with reporters. The Cowboys have maintained excellent OTA attendance overall, with only Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs absent from the voluntary portion of the offseason program.
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As the players and coaches moved from the outdoor fields into the Ford Center, Stephen Jones spoke with reporters for seven minutes. One of the topics he discussed was the health of the cornerbacks, as Diggs and second-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. are working their way back from significant knee injuries.
'Between guys like Diggs and Revel, in particular, guys that can make a huge difference for us, we'll know a lot more when we get to camp,' Jones said. 'But we do like what (Andrew) Booth was doing, really like what (Kaiir) Elam's doing. (Caelen) Carson is really starting to get his legs again. And, of course, (DaRon) Bland is Bland. He's one of the best in the business. It's great to have him out there. We'll see kind of how things evolve.'
Diggs is rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury in Miami. Schottenheimer provided no timeline for his return but confirmed Diggs returned to the facility two weeks prior for medical evaluation, with 'all signs positive.'
Jones said they prefer to have Diggs do his work at The Star but understand he can choose to rehab elsewhere because this portion is voluntary. Diggs and Parsons are expected to attend next week's mandatory minicamp.
'Our understanding is that he's getting the work done,' Jones said. 'He'll be back in, and we'll get a good look at him next week.'
The Cowboys are completing their final week of OTAs before mandatory minicamp begins Tuesday, with media access scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Training camp will commence in late July.
Here are some takeaways from Tuesday's practice.
Cowboys WR George Pickens switched jersey numbers with DE Dante Fowler. Pickens is now 3. Fowler is now 13 pic.twitter.com/TQtoLg7l6h
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 3, 2025
• Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb attended but did not practice.
• George Pickens and Jalen Tolbert emerged as the top two receivers in Lamb's absence, and they each hauled in touchdown grabs from Dak Prescott during team drills.
• Backup quarterback Joe Milton showed off his impressive arm talent during team drills, effortlessly throwing a beautiful deep ball up the right sideline that wide receiver Jalen Brooks caught for about a 45-yard gain.
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• Defensive end Sam Williams took a notable step Tuesday, participating in individual drills after being limited to rehab work off to the side. Williams wore a noticeable brace over his surgically repaired left knee. Signs seem to be pointing to his being ready to go for the start of training camp.
• Elam did a good job of breaking up a deep-ball throw from Prescott to Pickens in team drills.
• Linebacker Damone Clark intercepted a Milton pass across the middle of the field in team drills.
During Schottenheimer's pre-practice news conference, he touched on some big-picture topics, including the franchise's nearly 30-year Super Bowl drought. 'I don't get caught up in the drought,' he stated. 'This is one year. This is the first year of mine as head coach.'
Schottenheimer emphasized his forward-looking approach: 'When the season's over, we move on. 2024 is over; now it's 2025. Are we gonna win the Super Bowl this year? I hope. I think we are. If we don't, you move on.'
The coach rejected the notion that the franchise's historical success creates undue pressure on the current team, stating: 'I think it's to be celebrated. … We want to win a Super Bowl. We don't hide from that.'
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer: 'The way we practice and the way I act at practice, my father is looking down from heaven going: 'What are you doing? That's not how you practice.' But my father also coached a long time ago. And the type of athletes and type of young men that… pic.twitter.com/HswOQltLVJ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 3, 2025
(Photo of Micah Parsons: Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)