Cowboys' Schottenheimer confident Parsons will play Week 1

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer appears confident edge rusher Micah Parsons will be on the field in Week 1 even if he doesn't have a contract extension ironed out.

"I feel good that Micah will be out there against the Philadelphia Eagles," Schottenheimer said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Schottenheimer's optimism contrasts with comments made by Jerry Jones earlier in August, when the team owner said he was "absolutely not" confident the 26-year-old would be available for the opener.

Parsons recently requested a trade from the Cowboys as the two sides have struggled to find common ground on an extension. However, Dallas reportedly has no intention of trading Parsons, who's entering the final season of his rookie deal.

Prior to announcing his trade request, Parsons said he was discouraged at how the franchise had handled negotiations after other top pass-rushers around the league received new deals this offseason.

Parsons has recorded 52.5 sacks over four seasons, earning a Pro Bowl invitation each year.