Dallas closes out preseason play tonight against the Falcons with roster spots on the line, but Micah Parsons’ stalled extension talks continue to overshadow preparations for Week 1.
Final tune-up on the field, tension off it: Cowboys face Falcons as Parsons saga lingers originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Dallas Cowboys host the Atlanta Falcons tonight at AT&T Stadium in their final preseason game, and while the outcome won’t count in the standings, the stakes remain high for players fighting to make the 53-man roster. Depth battles at quarterback, running back, and safety headline the on-field storylines, but off the field, Micah Parsons’ unresolved contract situation continues to dominate headlines.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST, airing on NFL Network, ESPN+, and locally on KTVT 11, with radio coverage on 105.3 The Fan. Expect most starters to rest, leaving the spotlight on bubble players. Second-year quarterback Joe Milton is likely to see extended snaps as he competes for the backup role. At running back, Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue—who just returned from injury—will get valuable opportunities to prove themselves. With Luke Schoonmaker sidelined, depth tight ends will take center stage, while safeties Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker look to build on strong camp performances.
3 Things to Watch Tonight
- Joe Milton’s Growth – The second-year quarterback gets another chance to prove he can hold down the QB2 spot. His decision-making and accuracy will be closely scrutinized.
- Running Back Battle – Javonte Williams looks sharp, but Jaydon Blue’s return adds intrigue. Can he make a late push to carve out a role?
- Secondary Standouts – Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker have been difference-makers in camp. Another strong showing could cement Dallas’ depth at safety.
The Cowboys enter as slight 2.5-point favorites, with oddsmakers projecting a 23–18 Dallas win. But more important than the score will be who makes the most of their final audition.
Meanwhile, Parsons’ contract extension remains stalled despite reports of a framework being in place months ago. Owner Jerry Jones has insisted the team offered record-setting money for a defender, only for negotiations to break down. Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, disputes that account, calling Jones’ version “distorted.” The standoff escalated when Parsons scrubbed Cowboys content from social media and formally requested a trade.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, however, struck a more optimistic tone this week. “We’re confident Micah will be ready for Week 1,” he said, noting that Parsons has stayed sharp in walkthroughs despite his absence from game action.
Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman also weighed in, emphasizing Parsons’ value. “They can’t win without him,” Aikman said, warning that a prolonged standoff could ultimately push Parsons’ eventual payday even higher.
For now, the Cowboys will try to keep the focus on tonight’s game. But as the preseason ends and the regular season looms, one reality is clear: the drama surrounding their defensive cornerstone isn’t going away anytime soon.
Category: Football
