Micah Parsons’ Absence Highlights Voluntary OTAs
The Dallas Cowboys entered the latest week of offseason activities with a major storyline: star linebacker Micah Parsons was not present for voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Parsons, a three-time All-Pro and the team’s top pass rusher, attended the first OTA session but has since missed both media-open practices. His absence comes as he is in the midst of contract negotiations, and it has drawn attention because the Cowboys are looking for new leaders after the departure of veteran DeMarcus Lawrence. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the situation, reminding reporters that OTAs are voluntary and that players can prepare in different ways. Still, the leadership void left by Parsons’ absence is a concern for a team with high expectations.
Coaching Staff Emphasizes Leadership and Preparation
With Parsons not on the field, the Cowboys’ coaching staff has focused on developing leadership among other players. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and new veteran additions like Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler Jr. are stepping up to fill the gap. Schottenheimer has stressed the importance of mental preparation, noting that while quarterback Dak Prescott is always present, every player must be ready to contribute. The team is also adjusting to a new defensive scheme under coordinator Matt Eberflus, making on-field leadership even more critical. Owner Jerry Jones was seen at practice, highlighting the importance of these offseason sessions for team chemistry and contract discussions.
DeMarvion Overshown’s Encouraging Recovery Progress
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown provided a positive update on his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered late last year. Overshown tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL, but he has now rejoined the rehab group during OTAs and is ahead of schedule in his recovery. He has started light jogging and is working on basic football movements like shuffling and backpedaling. Overshown credits Britt Brown, the team’s director of rehabilitation, for guiding his progress. He remains patient, stating he will only return when he is fully confident in his knee. The Cowboys are hopeful he could be back by Thanksgiving, but Overshown is open to starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list if needed.
Roster Moves and Offseason Additions
The Cowboys have been active in reshaping their roster, targeting former high draft picks who have not met expectations elsewhere. They traded for cornerback Kaiir Elam and linebacker Kenneth Murray, both of whom bring first-round pedigree but inconsistent results. The team also signed defensive linemen Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler Jr., as well as Payton Turner, another former first-rounder. These moves reflect a strategy of betting on talent and hoping the Cowboys’ coaching staff can unlock their potential. The additions are expected to help offset the loss of veteran leaders and provide depth as the team prepares for the new season.
Offensive Line and Player Development
Offensive lineman Tyler Guyton has made headlines for his offseason transformation. After a disappointing rookie year, Guyton changed his diet, cut out fried foods, and focused on increasing his protein intake. He has also added more stretching and flexibility work to his routine, spending an hour after each workout on mobility. Guyton credits the new coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and line coach Conor Riley, for helping him improve his fundamentals. The Cowboys hope these changes will lead to better performance and more stability on the offensive line.
Dak Prescott and Offensive Adjustments
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been a constant presence at OTAs, working primarily on short routes and quick throws as the team keeps its new offensive system under wraps. The offense is expected to feature more targets for running backs, adding a new layer to the passing game. One notable change is the adjustment to Prescott’s famous pre-snap cadence, with the team moving away from the familiar “Here we gooo!” call. Schottenheimer has emphasized the need for all quarterbacks to use a consistent cadence, which helps new linemen and backup quarterbacks adjust more easily.
Inside Linebacker Competition and Defensive Outlook
The Cowboys are seeing competition at inside linebacker, with Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray emerging as early favorites under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Both have been working with the first-team defense during offseason practices. The team is also adjusting to Eberflus’s new defensive scheme, which places a premium on speed and versatility. The presence of veterans like Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler Jr. is expected to help younger players adapt to the new system.
Practice Observations and Player Progress
During recent OTA sessions, the Cowboys’ offense focused on short, high-percentage passes, with Prescott completing most of his throws. Backup quarterback Joe Milton showed improvement, connecting on a long touchdown pass to Ryan Flournoy. Third-string quarterback Will Grier was accurate on short throws during drills. The team is keeping its playbook “vanilla” for now, but the emphasis on running backs in the passing game is a notable shift. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb dropped a deep pass during practice, but remains a key target for Prescott.
Looking Ahead: Contract Talks and Team Chemistry
The Cowboys face important decisions as they move closer to training camp. The contract situation with Micah Parsons remains unresolved, and owner Jerry Jones is under pressure to secure his star defender before the season begins. The team is also monitoring the progress of DeMarvion Overshown and other injured players, hoping to have a full roster by the time games start to count. The focus on leadership, player development, and roster depth will be critical as the Cowboys aim to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
Summary: Key Takeaways from a Busy Week
This week, the Dallas Cowboys dealt with the high-profile absence of Micah Parsons at OTAs, ongoing contract negotiations, and positive injury updates from DeMarvion Overshown. The team made several roster moves, bringing in former first-round picks to bolster depth and leadership. Offseason development, especially from players like Tyler Guyton, and adjustments to the offensive system under Brian Schottenheimer, are shaping the team’s identity. As training camp approaches, the Cowboys are focused on building chemistry, finalizing contracts, and preparing for a season with high expectations. The next few weeks will be crucial as the team works to resolve key issues and get all players ready for the challenges ahead.