Cowboys football is finally back! On Tuesday, the Cowboys hosted a joint practice with the LA Rams in Oxnard and on Saturday they will take the short trip to SoFi Stadium for their first preseason game.
We are not entirely sure of who is going to play yet, but we are hoping to work in some of the starters as Tommy Yarrish reported. Though with the injury plague that’s been passed around…we aren’t sure anymore.
Brian Schottenheimer has expressed the desire to keep his playbook protected and not go deep into the bag in game one. Making the golf analogy that he will be “playing with a 7-iron” during the game. It can get you through an entire game but its not flashy. Though he joked with the media, unless he gets pissed off, then “he’ll call the bomb play.”
Which happened during the joint practice with the Rams as the offense struggled to get going…Schottenheimer decided to take the top off.
While the play design might not be the thing to watch just yet, I think there are plenty of unanswered position battles to keep an eye on during the game.
Left Tackle
One of the most important jobs to figure out. With Tyler Guyton out 4-6 weeks with a bone fracture, Dallas might be out a left tackle for their week one matchup against the Eagles.
Asim Richards and Nate Thomas will be exchanging reps to figure out who wins the starting job. Richards had one start last season and Thomas has not played in an NFL game.
This is a critical spot because the left tackle decides if your QB gets to live on Sundays. I will be watching the left tackle on every play vs. the Rams.
Defensive Tackle
Coach Eberflus has expressed desire to have a larger nose tackle, though both of the standouts tearing up the middle have been under 300 pounds. Perrion Winfrey and Solomon Thomas have the ability to cause destruction on the inside and will make the team. These two can also rotate into the 3-tech spot allowing Osa Odighizuwa to get some rest in season.
If we are looking for size, rookie Jay Toia will have the ultimate opportunity to make this team as a 7th round pick. As Mazi Smith has not shown any step to taking over a job that should be his.
Mazi needs an incredible preseason to save face. He just can’t keep getting moved around like that.
Running Back
What a sigh of relief for a Cowboys team that got into the injury bug in the past week. We are unsure if Blue will get much work in this first preseason game. In addition, Miles Sanders spent Thursdays practice doing rehab work.
Javonte Williams is falling into the starter by default spot as the veteran. Meaning this could be a big opportunity for Phil Mafah, another 7th round rookie who has a shot to make the team.
He is a power back and will hopefully show his ability and maybe that will lead to a bigger role in 2025 season for Mafah.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver room will be made up of 5 or 6 guys with Lamb, Pickens, and Turpin as locks. That leaves 2 or 3 spots for Tolbert, Mingo, Brooks, Flournoy and Holden.
Brooks and Holden have been two standouts at camp, both having great moments. Holden in particular had multiple touchdowns on one day of practice.
While these guys have a shot to sneak onto the back end of this group, a huge multiple TD day in the preseason could stamp that ticket.
Though in the NFL, there are politics that get involved. Tolbert and Mingo both have priority, and will be given first chance to make the roster. As Tolbert was a 3rd round pick a few years ago and the team just traded a 4th round pick for Johnathan Mingo.
If Mingo gets cut, then how does that make the front office look for trading assets for him?
A big day for Tolbert or Mingo might be enough to solidify the WR3 job and get them a starting role.
Brett's Cowboys Corner 
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