Parsons has remained off the field throughout training camp due to a back injury, which has coincided with a public dispute with team owner Jerry Jones that has worsened by the week. He requested a trade at the start of the month, and flashed a "call me" gesture at a fan who told him to come to the Falcons before Friday's game.

The first-year coach added that he still believes Parsons will play in the first game of the regular season, in 12 days at Philadelphia. Schottenheimer may be in a shrinking minority of people who think Parsons will play, unless a new deal is signed before then.