NFL Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys did not practice on Thursday. He’s struggling with some pretty painful tightness in his lower back. While Parsons has battled this injury multiple times over the last two years. In fact, it affected his performance last week at the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. As he stays in Oxnard, California, continuing to get treatment, worries about his health and effectiveness have escalated.
On Thursday, Parsons had a medical emergency while working out. What this really demonstrates is that the tightness in his back continues to be an issue. The Cowboys have so far not opened negotiations with Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, on a long-term deal. Parsons is right now on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, worth $21.324 million this season.
To add even more drama to the situation, Parsons hit the news wires on the weekend by demanding a trade through social media. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promptly paid the royalty request with a small fortune. He emphasized that Parsons’ back problems were very central to the negotiation process. When this happened, Jones doubled down on his intent to retain Parsons, declaring, “I’m not trading Micah Parsons.”
Jones confirmed that he and Parsons had struck a deal back in March. The framework of that deal spelled out the length of the deal along with guaranteed money and total compensation. Despite this agreement, the lack of recent communication with Parsons’ representation raises questions about the player’s future with the organization.
Parsons faces potential daily fines of $50,000 if he chooses to leave training camp, although the organization could waive these fines if a new deal is finalized. Teammate Dak Prescott suggested that Parsons’ move was understandable and the right decision. He supported him for deciding to miss a practice out of concern for aggravating an injury.
“I think if I wouldn’t have been in his shoes and have watched other guys be in his shoes and get rewarded, maybe he would feel differently,” Prescott commented. He made sure to underscore his confidence in not just Parsons but the Cowboys front office as well.
I have faith in Micah and his team. Prescott added. So there you have it – of who I am and of what I’m going to carry on believing and being optimistic. And 11’s a Cowboy.
As we get closer to the start of the season, the situation with Parsons’ injury status and contract negotiations will prove to be very intriguing to watch. The Cowboys are looking forward to seeing their star pass rusher get back to form as they head into the final stretch of the season.
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