Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he is "confident" that star edge rusher Micah Parsons will play in the club’s Sept. 4 regular-season opener against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, despite the player’s unresolved contract dispute. Parsons, 26, formally requested a trade on Aug. 1 after negotiations over a long-term extension stalled. The Cowboys have indicated they have no intention of moving the four-time Pro Bowler, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal. Owner Jerry Jones earlier this month said he was "absolutely not" sure Parsons would be available for Week 1, but Schottenheimer’s remarks suggest the team expects the stand-off to ease before kickoff. Parsons has amassed 52.5 sacks in four NFL seasons, making his availability pivotal for a defense facing the league’s reigning champions.