Dallas Cowboys are missing two superstars at start of 2024 OTAs: Should fans be concerned?
The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off OTAs this Tuesday but not in attendance are a couple of superstars, one from each side of the ball:Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons. Both will be absent for the start of voluntary workouts for completely different reasons but should fans be worried about either? The answer […]
The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off OTAs this Tuesday but not in attendance are a couple of superstars, one from each side of the ball:
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Both will be absent for the start of voluntary workouts for completely different reasons but should fans be worried about either? The answer isn't a straight up yes or no. Let's dive in.
The concerning part about CeeDee Lamb's absence
With no live contact permitted at this stage of the offseason, quarterbacks and wide receivers might be some of the most benefitted from OTAs. A huge part of last season's success between Lamb and his quarterback, Dak Prescott, was all about the time they spent together, which they both described as an intense and lengthy process.
How much does being away during these next couple of weeks affect their chemistry? Chances are it won't be much, as both players have put in work away from the Cowboys' facilities.
What's truly concerning is the reason why Lamb isn't around in the first place: The Cowboys have drawn out negotiations and allowed other NFL teams to get ahead of them as the Detroit Lions have already extended Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles took care of A.J. Brown.
This waiting only pushes the value of Lamb upward and it's unideal that the Cowboys have yet to extend him or Prescott. But as far as missing the practices affecting Lamb's level on the field, Cowboys fans shouldn't be sweating it too much.
What about Micah Parsons?
Parsons' absence from the team doesn't appear to be financial. Per the Dallas Morning News, he is fully expected to report next week for the second week of OTAs, which will run May 29th through May 31st. He has reportedly been in continued contact with the Cowboys.
Parsons is focused on preparing by himself, something he did in 2023 as well.
“It doesn’t bother me because I know I’m putting in the work,” Parsons told DMN's Michael Gehlken. “It more bothers me that people would think that I’m not doing everything I imagine possible to be the best player I can be to help win a championship."
Despite recent narratives trying to portray Parsons as someone who is more worried about off-the-field stuff as he continues to host his own podcast and take on a leadership role with B/R Gridiron, the reality is the Cowboys' All-Pro has consistently shown his desire to be great, finding new ways to prepare and seeking wisdom in all areas, including future Hall of Fame offensive linemen like Andrew Whitworth.
With Parsons being back next week, this should be of no concern to fans expecting another big year out of him in 2024.
