The Dallas Cowboys officially began mandatory minicamp today, and for the first time in the offseason, every player on the roster is in attendance.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the majority of the team’s roster has been in attendance throughout this offseason for organized team activities (OTAs), though two major pieces of the team have been missing at certain times.
Defensive end Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs have each missed time this offseason for different reasons, but both were in attendance to start the mandatory minicamp.
Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer said before practice that Parsons “will be on the field doing some stuff,” and Diggs has spent time with the recovery group as he rehabilitates from a knee injury, per Todd Archer.
Diggs has always been expected to return to the franchise at some point this offseason as he recovers from knee surgery, but Parsons’ attendance has been a bigger question due to ongoing contract extension discussions.
It has become common for players to sit out of mandatory minicamps until a contract extension is agreed upon, with multiple players across the league adopting the strategy to begin this week.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt have each opted out of practices until negotiations are concluded.
However, Parsons clearly expects a contract to be agreed upon soon, as the two-time All-Pro defensive end has chosen to help lead the team this week.
Last week, fans got a glimpse into Parsons and Schottenheimer’s relationship as the two went viral for an internet trend in which men call friends and coworkers to say goodnight.
Parsons was recorded calling Schottenheimer late at night as part of the trend, with the head coach responding with a special message to one of the team’s leaders.
“I know this is weird for everybody, but look, you’re handling everything the right way bro,” Schottenheimer said to Parsons. “This thing is going to get worked out.”
Now, the culture shift discussed by multiple players this offseason is evident in Schottenheimer’s handling of relationships.