The Cowboys can’t seem to move on from the Parsons drama, especially on the eve of their matchup against Green Bay, even if Parsons won’t play as he remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. As big a game as this feels, Parsons isn’t rushing his return just to face Dallas in a revenge game. Last year, when the two teams met, the game ended in a tie, so both still have a score to settle.

Owner Jerry Jones denied that the Cowboys underestimated Parsons before the blockbuster trade, but that may still not be enough to put the matter to rest. For good measure, Schottenheimer made a blunt statement about how Dallas is handling the whole situation. For the Cowboys, it’s all in the past.

Schottenheimer on Parsons

“Micah [Parsons] is no longer here,” Brian Schottenheimer stated, via NFL insider Ari Meirov. “I’m looking forward to seeing him, but I like the picks that we got for Micah. I think we’ve done some really great things getting those picks.

“I hope that when it’s all said and done, that goes to show it made a big difference—because I do feel that way. You take a look at the guys that we were able to add to our roster.”

Parsons and Cowboys’ history

On Sunday night, the Cowboys won’t go head-to-head with Parsons, as he has yet to return to practice after tearing his ACL and meniscus last season. However, his departure from Dallas will be a topic revisited countless times and remembered long after the clock hits zero at Lambeau Field.

The two will remain intertwined for the rest of Parsons’ career, as a trade as spectacular and consequential as the one involving the Penn State alum is the kind that defines an entire generation of NFL fans.

Key takeaways

• Micah Parsons was traded from the Cowboys to the Packers before the 2025 season.
• Dallas and Green Bay played to a tie during their matchup last season.
• Micah Parsons will miss the game as he remains on the PUP list.

When asked whether he had heard anything from the NFL regarding Jacobs, LaFleur offered a brief response that underscored the uncertainty surrounding the situation. “I’ve got no updates there.” The reporter then followed up by asking whether there was anything LaFleur could do to try to get Jacobs back, prompting another short answer: “That’s out of my hands.”

Jacobs’ continued absence is a significant issue for Green Bay’s offense. The veteran running back was expected to be a central part of the team’s ground game in 2026, but he remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List and cannot practice or play while his status is unresolved. With the Cowboys matchup coming up, the Packers must prepare without knowing whether their starting running back could become available in the near future.

Why isn’t Josh Jacobs playing for Packers in 2026 NFL season?

Josh Jacobs has been away from the team while the NFL reviews a legal matter stemming from an incident involving his former girlfriend. He faced misdemeanor charges related to battery and criminal damage to property, and the case was resolved with a no-contest plea. Although the legal proceedings have moved forward, the NFL has yet to announce its decision regarding potential discipline.

The Commissioner’s Exempt List allows the league to keep a player away from team activities while a matter is reviewed. Jacobs cannot practice or play for Green Bay while he remains on the list, leaving the Packers without one of their most important offensive players.

Reports have suggested that a potential suspension could also be part of the process, but the league has not officially confirmed the length or timing of any discipline.

For now, LaFleur and the Packers have little choice but to prepare for Dallas without Jacobs and wait for the NFL to make its decision. His return could provide a major boost to the running game, but the timeline remains uncertain. Until the league issues an update, Green Bay must rely on its other running backs and hope the situation becomes clearer in the coming weeks.

Key takeaways

• Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed no updates exist regarding running back Josh Jacobs’ status.
• Running back Josh Jacobs remains unavailable while listed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
• Jacobs faces potential NFL discipline following a no-contest plea to misdemeanor charges.

“There’s a good chance Christian is on the field,” Schottenheimer said during his press conference. “Christian Parker is our defensive coordinator. All (defensive) decisions will go through him.”

The coach also addressed the possibility of Parker taking on a new role in the booth. “None of those decisions have been finalized.” To address their shortcomings, it is clear that certain changes need to be made within the Cowboys organization.

Defensive issues plague America’s Team

The Cowboys’ defense has been an absolute trainwreck through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, sitting near the absolute bottom of the league in both total yards yielded (31st) and points allowed (26th) while ranking dead last in EPA per play. Despite investing heavy capital during the offseason, the unit has looked completely lost—failing to generate consistent pressure, bleeding big plays, and forcing new defensive coordinator Christian Parker into a trial by fire.

Desperate to stop the bleeding before the season completely spirals, Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer coaxed veteran defensive guru Mike Pettine out of retirement as a senior defensive assistant. The hope is that Pettine’s extensive experience—and his mastery of disguised pressures and mug fronts—can act as a steadying hand for Parker, help fix the scheme’s massive coverage gaps, and salvage America’s Team on that side of the ball.

A big opportunity to fix the problems

America’s Team face a massive Week 6 matchup this Sunday, October 18, against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, giving their struggling defense the perfect stage to make a statement. Heading into Green Bay sitting at 2–3 after a tough loss to the Buccaneers, the Cowboys desperately need to clean up their schemes, tighten coverage gaps, and show immediate progress.

Going up against a solid Packers squad in a high-stakes primetime environment isn’t an easy task, but if Dallas can dial up pressure and hold its ground, it could be the exact turning point its defense needs to get the season back on track.

Key takeaways

• Brian Schottenheimer stated Christian Parker is our defensive coordinator.
• Jerry Jones announced Mike Pettine’s arrival to the Dallas Cowboys.
• Dallas Cowboys defense ranks dead last in EPA per play.

“So many people wanted me to be back for that game to make the game bigger than what it was,” Parsons said on “The Edge with Micah Parsons” podcast. “It’s just another Sunday Night Football game against two good teams. It’s not about me.

“I think that probably let people down. ‘Oh, Micah, he’s gonna wanna be back for the Dallas game.’ No, I’m in that phase of life where I just wanna be healthy again. That’s it. I don’t care about the team I left or the team they think I want my revenge against. I don’t need revenge. I just need two healthy knees to do what I love to do.”

There is clearly still some bad blood between America’s Team and Parsons, although the player seems to have turned the page and is now focused solely on his recovery. Still, the return of one of the Packers’ biggest stars appears to be drawing closer.

Return at full strength

Recovering from a serious injury can take several months, and that was the case for Micah Parsons. The Packers’ star pass rusher has made it clear that he will return to the gridiron only when he is 100% healthy, as he does not want to rush the recovery process.

“What a lot of people don’t figure out is it’s not just the ACL,” he said. “It’s like, why did the ACL happen? What was weak? Because it all works together. It’s a chain, right? And throughout the history of ACL, they notice if you come back early, there tends to be an overcompensation injury on the other side.

“Throughout just this year, we’ve seen injuries across the league, coming off ACL or coming off injuries where it was like a soft tissue injury, a core muscle injury, ankle injury, so they were just like, ‘We’re just gonna make sure everything is right before [you return].’ Because everyone knows, it’s like, what’s the point of getting me back for four weeks, and then next thing you know, my groin bothering me, now I have a core muscle [injury], now I’m missing [time]?

A crucial matchup for the Packers

The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a crucial Week 6 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field this Sunday, October 18, at 8:20 PM ET on Sunday Night Football. Coming off an impressive victory over the Chicago Bears, the Packers currently sit in second place in the NFC North with a 3–2 record as they look to build momentum and strengthen their position in a competitive divisional race.

Key takeaways

• Micah Parsons stated he will not rush his recovery to play the Dallas Cowboys.
• Pass rusher Micah Parsons is recovering from an ACL injury and wants full health.
• Green Bay Packers host Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football.

“We did not underestimate (Micah Parsons’) ability. It was reinforced when Green Bay gave us all the picks that we got. We’re on plan with how we’re using those picks. We want to have that show up in success with wins on the field. But nothing about that has surprised me at all. And we wish Micah the best,” Jones said on 1053 The Fan.

The Cowboys and Packers will face off in the upcoming Week 6 Sunday Night Football matchup. Parsons, who is still recovering from an injury, will cheer on his teammates from the sidelines at Lambeau Field in a game filled with emotions and plenty of storylines.

Cowboys got a big return in Parsons trade

The Cowboys traded superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers in exchange for a massive package centered on draft capital and defensive depth. In return, Dallas received Green Bay’s 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, and Pro Bowl veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Jerry Jones’ team parted ways with the All-Pro pass rusher after contract extension talks stalled, paving the way for Green Bay to lock up Parsons with a massive four-year, $188 million extension upon his arrival.

Immediate adjustments on defense

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense must urgently make structural adjustments if they hope to salvage their 2026 season. Through the first five weeks, the unit has been an absolute liability, ranking dead last in the NFL by allowing an alarming 168.4 rushing yards per game and holding a league-worst 32nd ranking in third-down defense.

The inability to stop the run or get off the field on key downs prompted owner Jerry Jones to step in; following a frustrating week, the owner announced Cowboys’ change to defense as defensive coordinator Christian Parker moves from the sidelines to the coaches’ booth in hopes of better calling plays and stabilizing a leaky unit.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones denied that the Cowboys underestimated Micah Parsons in their trade with Green Bay.
• Dallas received two first-round picks and Kenny Clark in exchange for Micah Parsons.
• Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker will move to the coaches’ booth to call plays.

Although Jones revealed that the Cowboys don’t plan to fire defensive coordinator Christian Parker, it’s clear that Parker is walking on thin ice early in the season. While his job in Arlington is relatively safe—at least for now—his role on Sundays has changed, as Jones himself told the media. That’s all in addition to the hiring of Mike Pettine to join the defensive staff midway through the NFL season.

Heading into a pivotal matchup against the recently re-energized Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, a lot is on the line. Even though Jones denied underestimating Micah Parsons when he was traded to the Packers, the issue is far from settled. Ahead of such a high-stakes duel, Dallas is changing things up on defense. Parker is moving on from his usual place on the sidelines and will call plays from the booth, instead.

“That’s the main emphasis. We will spend some specific attention to areas. We’re going to coach the defense not on the field, but from above. [Defensive coordinator Christian] Parker is going up above,” Jerry Jones admitted during an interview on 105.3 The Fan. “You should be looking for ways to adapt and make changes to improve. That’s the point of improving from the results we’ve had the last few weeks.”

Cowboys hire Pettine

When news broke of Pettine joining defensive coordinator Parker going forward in the 2026 NFL campaign, many saw it as a sign of Dallas getting cold feet on the hiring of the young defensive mind. However, Jones offered a different perspective.

“I like the move. There had to be something tangible that they came with on Monday. I feel like adding a veteran mind like Mike Pettine is a positive direction,” Jones stated, via 105.3 The Fan.

Cowboys’ defense stats

Dallas has the second-worst defense in the league, statistically speaking. Through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the Cowboys have allowed 1,977 total yards, an average of 395.4 per game. Only the Detroit Lions have posted worse numbers to start the year.

Moreover, the Cowboys have conceded 136 points, which ranks 26th in the league and translates to an average of 27.2 points allowed per game. As much of an impact as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams are having, it’s plain to see why Dallas is 2-3 and Jones has made a pivotal change to the way the defense operates.

First test for Cowboys after defensive changes

Not only will Parker abandon his post on the sidelines, but he’ll also have a veteran presence in Pettine working alongside him. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but the first test will come in Wisconsin, where Micah Parsons won’t be playing for the home team, though his departure from the visitors will be revisited time and again.

Key takeaways

• Defensive coordinator Christian Parker will call plays from the booth instead of the sideline.
• Dallas hired veteran coach Mike Pettine to join the defensive staff following Week 5.
• The Cowboys defense has allowed 1,977 total yards through five games this season.

The incident happened as Prescott walked toward the locker room following the defeat. Video of the moment showed the Cowboys quarterback turning toward the man after hearing the remark, then responding when the individual appeared to make another comment. The confrontation quickly went viral, adding another talking point to an already difficult night for Dallas.

Prescott addressed the situation after the game, explaining that his frustration was not simply about being criticized. Instead, the veteran quarterback took issue with the man looking away after Dak turned toward him, before speaking again. The QB made clear that he believes people should be willing to stand behind their words, even when those comments provoke a reaction.

What did Dak Prescott say about the heated exchange with an employee?

Dak Prescott explained that he had no problem with someone expressing an opinion about the Cowboys’ performance, even if that opinion was harsh. What bothered him was the way the interaction unfolded after he looked at the person who made the comment.

The quarterback said he expected the man to stand by what he had said rather than avoid eye contact and continue speaking once Prescott turned away. “When he said it, I just happened to look at him, and at that point, he looked away. And when I turned my head back, he said something else. That’s the part that, just as a man or as just a person, feel free to speak your mind, just speak it. Don’t cower away from the reaction that you’re going to get.”

The exchange came after a loss that dropped Dallas to 2-3 and intensified scrutiny of the team’s performance. Prescott completed 24 of 42 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions in a game the Cowboys were expected to win.

Although he expressed frustration with the tunnel incident, Prescott also acknowledged the Buccaneers’ performance, making clear that the defeat was about more than one controversial comment.

“If you’re saying it’s embarrassing, say it’s embarrassing. If you’re saying it to me, then say it to me. Don’t go back on it. So, that’s all that was, and hate that it’s even being talked about, to be honest with you.”

Key takeaways

• Dak Prescott confronted a worker after the Cowboys’ 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay.
• Prescott urged the stadium employee to “not cower away” after calling the performance embarrassing.
• Prescott completed 24 of 42 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions vs Bucs.

Jones was asked whether a player could be worth sacrificing future draft capital at this stage of the season. His response suggested that the Cowboys would consider giving up picks if the right opportunity emerged, particularly for a player who could contribute beyond the remainder of the 2026 campaign. Dallas has already shown that it is willing to make aggressive moves, having acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The latest comments come at a difficult moment for the Cowboys, who dropped to 2-3 after losing at home to a Buccaneers team that entered the game without a win. Tampa Bay’s offense produced 419 total yards, including 241 on the ground, exposing the defensive issues that have plagued Dallas early in the season. Rather than signaling a retreat, Jones indicated that the organization is still looking for ways to improve the roster.

Will Cowboys make a trade?

It’s possible. When asked whether he believed one player was worth giving up draft capital for, Jerry Jones made his position clear while emphasizing that Dallas would not pursue just any available veteran.

“Yes (make a trade). I wouldn’t give up future capital for a player who didn’t have some future or potential future that you could add years to. But yeah, I would. The future capital that you have are draft picks and those guys have question marks with them too. So, if we do see an opportunity and it fits for us, we’ll take a good look at it. This isn’t fold the tents here.”

Jones’ comments suggest that age, long-term value and the possibility of keeping a player beyond this season would factor into any potential deal. The Cowboys are not simply looking for a short-term solution; they want an acquisition who could help address their immediate weaknesses while remaining a valuable part of the roster in the years ahead.

The defense is an obvious area to watch after its performance against Tampa Bay, particularly with Dallas struggling to stop the run and consistently get off the field. However, Jones did not identify a specific trade target or guarantee that another deal would happen.

The Cowboys remain at 2-3, and their next matchup against the Green Bay Packers on October 18 will provide another test. For now, Jones has left the door open: if the right player becomes available at a price Dallas considers worthwhile, the team is prepared to take a serious look.

The defeat was particularly frustrating because the Buccaneers entered the matchup without a win, yet managed to control the game on the ground and expose Dallas’ defensive problems. Tampa Bay rushed for 241 yards and finished with 419 total yards, putting Parker under scrutiny as the Cowboys attempt to turn around a unit that has struggled to deliver consistent performances.

Jones was directly asked whether it would be premature to consider firing Parker after just five games. His response did not rule out the possibility of a change, but it suggested that he was conscious of the risks of making a decision too quickly. The Cowboys owner also addressed whether he still believes Parker can get the defense back on track.

Will Jerry Jones and Cowboys fire Christian Parker?

When asked if it was too early to make a change at defensive coordinator, Jerry Jones replied, “I don’t want to be accused premature.” The brief answer left the door open to interpretation, as Jones avoided making a definitive commitment about Parker’s job security following the disappointing loss.

However, Jones was more direct when asked whether he had confidence in Parker’s ability to turn the defense around. The Cowboys owner made it clear that he still believes the coordinator can improve the unit, even as criticism mounts following the performance against Tampa Bay. “I do. Yes, I do. He’s sitting there taking it on the shoulders which goes with the territory, but I feel that he’s competent.”

Jones’ comments offer Parker some public backing, but the pressure is unlikely to disappear after such a damaging defeat. Dallas hired Parker to help rebuild a defense that struggled last season, and the early results have raised concerns about whether the changes are producing the desired impact. For now, Jones has expressed confidence in his coordinator rather than announcing a change, but the defense’s performance in the coming weeks could play a major role in determining how long that support lasts.

Key takeaways

• Cowboys suffered a shocking 24-16 loss against the Bucs.
• The Cowboys’ defense is struggling after five weeks.
• Jerry Jones has confidence in Christian Parker.

The loss was especially frustrating because Tampa Bay was playing without Baker Mayfield, with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels making his second career start. However, the Buccaneers found ways to exploit Dallas on both sides of the ball, controlling possession and forcing costly turnovers. Prescott threw for 316 yards and a touchdown, but two interceptions contributed to another disappointing result for the Cowboys.

After the game, Prescott acknowledged that Dallas was expected to win and admitted that the performance came dangerously close to being embarrassing. Still, the quarterback stopped short of using that label because he believed it would take credit away from Tampa Bay’s performance and the work of head coach Todd Bowles.

What happened with Cowboys vs Bucs?

Dak Prescott made it clear that the Cowboys understood the expectations entering Thursday night’s matchup, but their own mistakes and turnovers were crucial.

With Tampa Bay winless and playing on the road with a rookie quarterback, Dallas had an opportunity to build momentum. Instead, the Buccaneers executed their game plan effectively, leaving Prescott and his teammates to deal with the consequences of a costly defeat.

“I think Schotty said it best in the locker room. In this league, you’ve got to win the games you’re supposed to win. And when a winless team comes into your home stadium on a Thursday night primetime game, yeah, we’re supposed to win that. It sucks. Right up there close to embarrassing but I don’t know if I would say that.”

Dak Prescott sends clear message after loss to Buccaneers

The Cowboys quarterback then explained why he was reluctant to describe the defeat as embarrassing, pointing to the quality of Tampa Bay’s coaching and the defensive strategy that helped the Buccaneers secure their first victory of the season. Prescott wanted to acknowledge that Dallas had been outplayed without diminishing what the opposing team accomplished.

“To use the word embarrassing, it’s tough. I feel like I’m discrediting the NFL if I use that, and particularly the Tampa Bay Bucs and the great Todd Bowles coach, defensive-coached team. The guy’s been a winning coach for a long time and whether he’s been a head coach or a defensive coordinator. The plan, what they did tonight, is the reason for that. To say embarrassing, I think I’d be discrediting them. But we were definitely supposed to win this game. It was a game we were supposed to have on paper.”

Prescott’s reaction highlighted the difficult position Dallas now faces after dropping to 2-3. The Cowboys have shown they can produce offensively, but turnovers and defensive struggles continue to undermine their efforts. With the Green Bay Packers next on the schedule, Prescott and the coaching staff will need to address those problems quickly if Dallas hopes to recover from a loss that few expected at home.

Key takeaways

• Dallas Cowboys fell to 2-3 after a 24-16 home loss to Tampa Bay.
• Dak Prescott threw two interceptions despite passing for 316 yards and one touchdown.
• Dak Prescott resisted calling the defeat embarrassing, citing respect for head coach Todd Bowles.

Porter joined the Cowboys in a trade with Pittsburgh and immediately made an impact in his first appearance against the Houston Texans. Despite having limited time to learn Dallas’ defensive system, he delivered an encouraging performance in coverage, helping strengthen a secondary that needed reinforcements. His debut had created optimism that he would continue building chemistry with his new teammates against Tampa Bay.

However, Porter’s absence means Dallas will have to adjust its defensive plans for Thursday Night Football. The Cowboys were counting on the former Steelers cornerback to become an important part of their secondary, particularly as they look to contain Tampa Bay’s passing attack. With no additional details provided about the reported illness, the immediate focus is on his recovery and potential return.

Is Joey Porter Jr. injured with Dallas Cowboys?

Based on the information currently available, Joey Porter’s absence does not appear to be related to a new football injury. The reported reason is an illness, although no specific diagnosis or further details have been disclosed. That distinction matters because his availability had previously been a concern due to back problems that kept him out of Pittsburgh’s first three games of the 2026 season.

Porter finally returned to the field after the trade and played against Houston, giving the Cowboys an encouraging first look at what he could contribute to their defense. His performance suggested that the back issues that disrupted the beginning of his season were no longer preventing him from playing. There is currently no confirmed indication that those previous problems are responsible for his latest absence.

The Cowboys will now have to wait for Porter to recover before determining when he can return to the lineup. An illness can have a different recovery timeline from a structural injury, but without further information from the team, it is impossible to establish exactly how long he will be sidelined. Dallas will hope the issue is short-lived so the cornerback can resume building on the promising start to his Cowboys career.

Key takeaways

• Joey Porter Jr. was ruled out of Week 5 against Tampa Bay due to an illness.
• Joey Porter Jr. previously made his Cowboys debut in coverage against the Houston Texans.
• Back problems had previously sidelined Joey Porter Jr. for Pittsburgh’s first three games.