The Dallas Cowboys have concluded their two open practices for the week after returning to Texas from their summer jaunt in Oxnard, CA. The team returned last weekend ahead of their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and have spent the last two evenings hosting nighttime practice in front of their home fans in the DFW area, giving them a taste of what Californians have experienced since mid July.

Thursday’s action brought with it a ton of highlight plays, some pertinent conversation from the head coach on the superstar hold-in Micah Parsons, and much more.

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Schottenheimer believes Parsons will play vs Eagles

The elephant in the room is the continuing drama surrounding the contract situation of the star edge rusher Parsons. He and the team have still been unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, and it appears a real possibility he will enter the season with no guarantees of being in Dallas beyond this season. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed whether he believed Parsons would suit up for the September 4 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he replied with optimism.

“I think at the end of the day, we feel like Micah’s going to be out there when we line up against Philadelphia here in 15 days or whatever it is,” Schottenheimer said [via ESPN].

Play of the Day: Joe Milton deep bomb to Traeshon Holden

It hasn’t been as great of a ride for Milton as many had hoped this preseason. The second-year quarterback has struggled in game action through two starts, having issues with scanning the field, locking onto targets and general accuracy. This has been disappointing for many Cowboys fans who have watched training camp highlights showing off his incredible arm strength. Thursday brought another such instance, in an incredible hookup with UDFA rookie WR Traeshon Holden, who is looking to force his way onto the 53-man roster.

Former stars celebrated at practice

As is tradition, the final open practice allows the Cowboys to welcome in and honor some of their past heroes. Safety Darren Woodson was presented with the Tom Landry award, and Charles Haley was caught spending time with Parsons on the sideline.

Via Jon Machota:

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Catch of the Day: CeeDee Lamb is ready for the regular season

Fans haven’t been able to see the new-look Cowboys offense on display in the preseason, as Schottenheimer is playing things extremely close to the vest, hoping to unarm opponents. That means that there’s been no game action for the team’s best players, and placing a ton of weight on the disappointing performances of down-roster players performing in vanilla schemes.

Make no mistake about it thought, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are going to be just fine, and lethal. Fine and lethal.

Practice Notes

A collection of notes from those in attendance.

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• CB Andrew Booth was getting first-team reps as DaRon Bland was sidelined – Kathleen Ortiz, DMN

• “A good night for Kaiir Elam so far. Broke up a quick throw to CeeDee Lamb, stride for stride with George Pickens on a go ball that was incomplete.” – Todd Archer, ESPN

• “Something of note that I haven’t thought about but just noticed. Tyler Booker is the new silent count hand wave guy since Zack Martin is retired. They are working on it now” – Voch Lombardi

• “With Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford not practicing, Rivaldo Fairweather is working with the 12 personnel group with Jake Ferguson.” – Archer

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Lamb, Milton make incredible plays in final open practice