Micah Parsons returns to Dallas Cowboys facility for OTAs after skipping offseason workout program

Micah Parsons has spent the past several weeks in the Texas state capital doing workouts away from the Dallas Cowboys. However, the star defender returned to DFW and was present for the team’s first day of OTAs on Tuesday, as he said he would be.

The OTAs are not mandatory but Parsons is apparently done with his “bulking” time in Austin anyway.

Parsons lit up social media this offseason when he shared that he intended to make the switch to full-time defensive end for the Cowboys. His defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, had other ideas though.

“He’s a pass-rushing linebacker,” Quinn said in response to Parsons’ comments, per The Athletic. “If you ever need position changes, come to me. What I think he was probably trying to say is, ‘I’m really emphasizing some pass rush into my offseason.'”

Parsons clarifies offseason weight goals

After the news broke on Twitter, Parsons tweeted about his weight goals.

“Lol people [hear] bulk and think I’m going from 246- 270!!” Parsons said. “If you seen any of my videos I’m still very slim and I’m putting on good weight! I’m standing at 252 currently! I will not surpass 255 at anytime in my career! This is just me putting on more muscle to carry the load!”

Compared to the league’s 2022 sack leaders, Parsons’ current listed weight is roughly 20 to 30 pounds less. Nick Bosa is 6-foot-4, 266 pounds. Meanwhile, Myles Garrett is 6-foot-4, 272 pounds.

Micah Parsons is entering his third year in the NFL after winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and finishing with 13.5 sacks in 2022. Last season, he played 738 snaps on the defensive line and 171 at linebacker.

Prior to OTAs, Parsons made it pretty clear on Twitter that he would be back in Dallas with his teammates. Over the weekend, he tweeted: “I need a professional massage therapist in Dallas!” The responses to his request were funny with lots of DeShaun Watson jokes, but probably not very helpful in terms of actually getting him an appointment.

During OTAs, the Cowboys get 10 practices, but all 10 are no-contact. They can still run 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills but without pads. Although some players may miss OTAs, the mandatory minicamp at the beginning of June will be the first time every player must participate unless they’re injured or holding out, at which point they could be subjected to fines.