McCarthy: Parsons' OTAs absence 'missed' opportunity
Cowboys star Micah Parsons again opted not to participate in the early parts of the team's voluntary activities, and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said it's a missed opportunity for the All-Pro defender to learn the team's new defense.
"I think any time that you have a chance to be together, it's an opportunity to improve," McCarthy said Thursday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "Whether it's in the mental realm, the physical realm, and the emotional connection and so forth. It's a long year. Training camp is really the heightened focus for all of that, but it's definitely an opportunity that's been missed."
New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is in the midst of installing his defense with the Cowboys.
Parsons, who also chose to work out on his own early in the offseason last year, was at the Cowboys' practice facility on Wednesday to go through required content for in-game and broadcast elements, per ESPN's Todd Archer. However, the superstar edge rusher didn't do any on-field drills.
Dallas hired Zimmer as defensive coordinator this year to replace Dan Quinn, who joined the Washington Commanders as their head coach. The 67-year-old Zimmer hasn't had an NFL job since his last season as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach in 2021.
"It's a new defense. We have work to do. (Parsons is) engaged. We'll be ready when it's time. I have confidence in that," said McCarthy, who added that Parsons "looks to be in really good shape."
Parsons has taken the NFL by storm since the Cowboys drafted him in the first round in 2021. The 25-year-old, who's recorded 40.5 sacks in 50 career games, was a top-three finisher for Defensive Player of the Year in each of the last three seasons. He's eligible to sign a contract extension but still has two years left on his rookie deal.
The Cowboys also kicked off their OTAs without CeeDee Lamb this year, as the star receiver has yet to agree to terms on an extension with the team. Dallas' mandatory minicamp is scheduled for next week. Training camp starts in late July.
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