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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The preseason finale against the Chargers was all about backups trying to make their case for roster spots. Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush were given the night off, as their roles as No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks are secure. Trey Lance got the opportunity to play the entire game, and the results were confounding. The good news is that he completed 33-of-49 passes (67%) for 323 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 90 yards and another score. Any time you put up over 400 yards of total offense and two scores, there’s reason for optimism. Unfortunately, much of the statistical heroics were dashed by an astounding five interceptions, including a pick-six late in the fourth quarter that cost the game. He also lost two fumbles, but his teammates recovered both. Despite the turnover bonanza, Lance, team owner Jerry Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy were complimentary of Lance’s progress. “Yes, the turnovers are always the first thing we talk about. … There have always been four or five plays each game that he’ll learn from,” noted McCarthy. “But he continually gets better every time you give him a chance. I think that says a lot about him. He’s just a young guy that needs to play. I think he’ll play in this league for a long time.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler offered his thoughts on both Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s contract situations. “The situation is talks [with Prescott] have been ongoing,” Fowler said. “They’re really every couple of days. The stage is set for Dallas to place the urgency on CeeDee Lamb, the wide receiver. To get that deal done, it’s going to cost them well above $30 million per year. CeeDee Lamb is trying to get as close as he can get to that Justin Jefferson market of about $35 million a year, but they’re trying to find a sweet spot on all those points. I expect Lamb to be done first. They’re gonna try to get Prescott done before Week 1 as well and double down on both these guys and spend a ton of money. So, it’s still unclear if they can pull this off.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Three running backs are locks: Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Hunter Luepke. The questions are whether they keep a fourth back and whether it’s Royce Freeman or Deuce Vaughn. Four of five beat writers—Todd Archer (ESPN), Saad Yousuf (The Athletic), John Owning (PFF), and Dan Rogers (Blogging the Boys)—favor Vaughn. CBS’ Garrett Podell favors Freeman. Debate still rages about how Dowdle and Elliott will split touches, but if preseason performance and camp practices carry weight, Dowdle has earned the right to be the lead back.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
After an offseason of brinksmanship, cooler heads prevailed, and the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb agreed to a 4-year, $136 million extension with $100 million guaranteed. He’ll be in the lineup for Week 1 set to battle Justin Jefferson for All-Pro honors. Brandin Cooks is probably miscast as the No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career, but he’s looked sharp in camp and will help the offense sustain last year’s elite ranking now that he slides back into his more natural No. 2 role. The depth chart looks set, with Lamb, Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert as the top three. KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks are considered locks, with the question being whether Ryan Flournoy did enough to stick as the No. 6 receiver.With Lamb seeking “Justin Jefferson” money, all eyes will be on contract negotiations before the start of Week 1 preparation. While most think Lamb will be in the lineup to start the season, he and his camp have given no indication either way. Brandin Cooks is probably miscast as the No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career, but he’s looked sharp in camp and will help the offense sustain last year’s elite ranking if he can slide back into his more natural No. 2 role. The depth chart looks set, with Lamb, Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert as the top three. KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks are considered locks, with the question being whether Ryan Flournoy did enough to stick as the No. 6 receiver.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson looks ready to build off last year’s season and will be one of the offensive cogs. Luke Schoonmaker did little this summer to push for more snaps, and it’s fair to say the distance between him and the other prospective backups is minimal. The beat writers expect Ferguson, Schoonmaker, and John Stephens Jr. to make the roster. But they all note that Peyton Hendershot, Princeton Fant, and Brevyn Spann-Ford have all flashed enough to warrant game-day spots as the season progresses.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Last year, All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending injury, which opened the door for DaRon Bland. Bland thrived in his absence, leaving coaches and fans excited about what the secondary could do with both in the lineup this year. Unfortunately, that excitement will have to wait because Bland suffered a foot injury and underwent surgery; he’ll be out for six to eight weeks. Bland’s injury opens the door for fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson. "I've seen Trevon Diggs, I've seen DaRon Bland come into the league and how they prepare for training camp and OTAs," veteran Jourdan Lewis said. "Carson is very similar to those guys' approach. He's calm and collected when he's on the field playing. He's cut from that same cloth." The defensive line depth remains a concern, even though DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons are among the NFL’s best duos. The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf expects three veterans—Carl Lawson, Jordan Phillips, and Linval Joseph—to make the roster despite signing with the team in the last two weeks.
Preseason Updates: Returners
KaVontae Turpin should be the primary returner for the third straight season.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Cowboys sat most of their projected starters against the Raiders, while Las Vegas played their starters for more than a half, yet the Cowboys were still the much better team. “I’m very happy with the way we played [against the Raiders]. Frankly, I think the No. 1 stat [immediately after the game] is we really didn’t have any injuries to report,” said Head Coach Mike McCarthy. “This was a good night for us. … I think it was clear all the way across the board our team was more comfortable playing in Week 2. I think we took a step as a football team.”
Dak Prescott still doesn’t have a new contract but is maintaining an optimistic outlook. “I’m not putting that much thought into hoping it gets done now, hoping it gets done in a couple of weeks, during the season, or whenever it happens,” Prescott told ESPN’s Todd Archer. “I just know conversations are on the right path.”
Cooper Rush started but only played briefly, completing 1-of-3 passes for 6 yards before ceding the game to Trey Lance, who played the remainder of the contest. Lance had been having a frustrating summer but looked sharp against the Raiders, particularly considering he was playing with backups while the Raiders had their starting defense on the field for much of the game. Lance completed 15-of-23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown and ran for 34 yards and another touchdown. “Two 14-play drives, that’s incredible for preseason football,” McCarthy said. “It just shows you his understanding and confidence, and he just needs to continue to play. He just needs reps. He needs to play in live games, particularly in the drop-back phase, because he’s doing a very good job managing everything else. I thought he clearly took a step today.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle were rested against the Raiders, further signifying their places atop the depth chart. Although nothing has been finalized, they’ll play as a committee early in the season unless one pulls away with strong early work. The No. 3 running back job is wide open, as Malik Davis, Royce Freeman, and the returning Deuce Vaughn all rotated drives throughout the first half of the Raiders game. Vaughn was on the outside looking in for much of August, according to most 53-man roster projections from Dallas beat writers. However, the second-year scatback returned a few days ago from a hamstring injury and delivered a strong performance (34 yards on five carries) against the Raiders, which helps put him back on the roster radar.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
CeeDee Lamb may not be the best young player on his own team, but NFL talent evaluators recently named him the No. 4 best at any position under 25 years old. More importantly, he remains out of camp, awaiting a resolution to his contract situation. Jerry Jones told a Dallas radio station, “I’m not worried about a target date, not worried about his shape. Glad he’s not out there risking injury tonight [the Raiders game].” Brandin Cooks joined Lamb on the sidelines against Las Vegas, but curiously, Jalen Tolbert played while KaVontae Turpin was rested. Turpin may be injured, but otherwise, this would point to a changing hierarchy, as Tolbert has clearly been viewed as the No. 3 option for most of the summer. Rookie Ryan Flournoy faces long odds to make the Week 1 roster, but he’s come on of late after battling a knee injury earlier this summer and caught a touchdown pass from Lance against Las Vegas.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson got the night off but told reporters last week that his goal is no longer to be the Cowboys’ starter but to become the best tight end in the NFL. Luke Schoonmaker started and had a chance to cement the No. 2 role with a strong outing. Unfortunately, Schoonmaker didn’t do much (two receptions for 13 yards). That said, no one else on the roster poses a credible threat to displace him. The real question is whether the front office will bring in a veteran or two as roster cuts free up more experienced options.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Micah Parsons was recently named the second-best player under 25, per The Athletic’s survey of NFL talent evaluators. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is leveraging Parsons’ ability by lining him up as an off-ball linebacker at times. Trevon Diggs had his first full day of practice last Wednesday in joint sessions with the Rams and intercepted a Jimmy Garoppolo pass. While that’s nothing new for the All-Pro, it was an important step back from his torn ACL that cost him most of the 2023 season. “It felt good, getting back, moving around, other players flying around, getting adjusted to bodies near me,” Diggs said. “It was good. I had a lot of great work in today.” Although there were positives to take from the Raiders game, the lack of pass-rush depth remains a concern following the loss of Sam Williams. With Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence getting the night off, the backups didn’t manage a sack in 54 pass attempts. One of the bright spots was rookie linebacker Marist Liufau, who USA Today’s Reid Hanson believes will be a starter sooner than later.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The guards are the leaders of this Cowboys group. All-Pro right guard Zack Martin is one of the best, and left guard Tyler Smith made his first Pro Bowl. Two starters changed: left tackle Tyler Guyton (Round 1, Oklahoma) and center Brock Hoffman. Guyton has been impressive this preseason. With Chuma Edoga out (toe), Guyton will start and likely be fine. Center Brock Hoffman has kept third-round rookie Cooper Beebe (Kansas State) at bay. Hoffman is an asset in the run game. The Cowboys rank 13th now but have the upside to rejoin the top 10 quickly.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Mike McCarthy is impressed with Dak Prescott’s drive to continually improve. “That’s what I really appreciate about him: He’s always working on his game,” McCarthy said. “You can break it down in the pocket and out of the pocket. Look at his footwork, the adjustments from the system before to now, and some of the new footwork…I look at his flexibility, his shoulders and elbows. I think his (private physical therapist, Luke Miller) does a phenomenal job there with flexibility. You can see the different arm slot throws that he does on a daily basis. I’ve seen some improvement there (compared) to 2020.”
Prescott isn’t likely to play in the preseason, making the reps he gets in joint practices all the more important. Following practices with the Rams last week, Prescott explained, “It’s valuable, valuable reps for me. It was great work. First time seeing another team. Some good, some great things. And then obviously a lot of things to clean up. But it’s the first time we’re seeing a different defense, a different scheme. It’s valuable reps, not only for me but the whole offense, for our pace of operation, for what we’re trying to get accomplished as a team. I think that was very worthy of it.” Cooper Rush started against the Rams on Sunday but only played one drive before handing things off to Trey Lance.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Sometimes, opportunity isn’t enough, which seems to be the case in the Cowboys' running back room. As The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf aptly put it: “If you’re still wondering about how the Cowboys’ plan at running back will shape up, join the club.” No one expected Ezekiel Elliott to return to his Pro Bowl form magically, but he’s looked ill-suited for a lead role, even with lowered expectations. Royce Freeman received early praise in camp but is now injured and has a long history of being little more than a complementary piece. This leaves Rico Dowdle, who, as the incumbent, should have a role regardless of who else steps up. However, Dowdle isn’t a difference-maker, and the idea of him leading the team in carries likely isn’t what owner Jerry Jones had in mind when he promised to go “All In” in 2024.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Jerry Jones dominated headlines this week after stating that he didn’t feel a great sense of urgency to finalize a new contract with CeeDee Lamb, prompting a brief and terse response from Lamb on social media. The Cowboys owner quickly walked back his comments on Sunday, saying, “I understand completely the angst that’s happening (about) whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee: You’re missed.” It’s not unusual for contract negotiations to feel dire as a hard deadline approaches, so we still fully expect cooler heads to prevail before the start of the regular season.
Assuming Lamb’s contract situation gets resolved, the top three receiver spots seem set with Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert. Most camp observers believe KeVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks are also locks due to their developmental upside and special teams value. That likely leaves one more spot for Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Cropper, or Tyron Billy-Johnson.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Josh Ferguson is locked in as the starter and should be an integral part of the offense this year, staying on the field in most sub-packages. It increasingly looks like Dallas will utilize a committee approach for the No. 2 tight end spot, as each player vying for the role has distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Preseason Updates: Defense
When Sam Williams tore his ACL, the Cowboys knew they would need more from their young pass rushers quickly. So far, it’s unclear who will step into the role as the third pass rusher behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. As we detailed last week, Lawrence sees huge potential in rookie Marshawn Kneeland, but it's hard to bet on him until we see it in a scrimmage or preseason game. The linebacking corps should be a strength, with Damone Clark (weak side) and Eric Kendricks (middle) locked in as starters. The battle for the strongside linebacker spot remains intense. Most expected DaMarvion Overshown to step into the role, but rookie Marist Liufau was listed as the starter on the first depth chart.
Preseason Updates: Returners
KeVontae Turpin is expected to be the primary returner for the third straight season.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott led the NFL in completions and passing touchdowns last season and was the centerpiece of the No. 1 offense in the NFL. Yet, he enters training camp on the final year of his contract, leaving the entire league to wonder if he’ll be the most sought-after free agent in history next offseason. Prescott is taking the negotiations in stride, believing a deal can and will be done. "I'm a guy that grew up with two older brothers," Prescott said. "You understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there and the money can happen. It can be done. There's ways to make everything work for both ways. That's in that sense it's always about pushing the envelope for the next man."
Prescott’s contract status makes Trey Lance’s development far more intriguing. Lance remains the No. 3 quarterback behind Prescott and Cooper Rush, but the Cowboys appear set to give Lance extensive work in the preseason to understand what they have in the former third overall pick. According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, Lance has been inconsistent through the first week of camp. Head coach Mike McCarthy remains encouraged despite the early inconsistencies. “His understanding of the offense is very high. I’m very impressed with his command of the offense,” said McCarthy. “He just needs reps. He needs to play. He needs as many reps from the pocket because there is a lot of newness here for him.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
When team owner Jerry Jones told the media in January that the team would be “All in on 2024” back in January, few would’ve imagined that would’ve resulted in the current running back stable. Whether the team was outbid for prominent free agents or miscalculated the availability of their preferred rookie options, the result is a room with far more questions than answers. Ezekiel Elliott headlines the group after re-signing on a one-year, $2 million contract with $1.65 million guaranteed. His familiarity with the offense and prior stint as one of the team’s most important players portend a significant role, but he’ll need to show more than we’ve seen through the first week of practices. Conversely, journeyman Royce Freeman is opening eyes and could earn a far more prominent role than expected. Vice President of Player Personnel Stephen Jones was refreshingly candid about how the organization sees the running back pecking order. “That Freeman guy has really impressed. We were just talking about it [Sunday] at the scout dinner. ‘What in the hell was he doing sitting around out there?’ An interesting guy to just have been sitting there. He’s a great two-three combination in terms of what he can do as a backup,” Jones said. “He’s a big, thick guy. And he’s a hell of a special teams player as well. He’ll be a good addition and great complement to [Elliott]. And then we’ll let these young guys between [Dowdle and Davis] and those guys [will] battle it out.” You’ll note that Jones made no mention of Deuce Vaughn. Further illustrating how fluid this situation is, other camp observers see Rico Dowdle as the clear-cut best back on the roster.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
CeeDee Lamb is holding out of training camp as he awaits progress on a new contract. He’s currently set to play this season under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, which pays him $17 million. Last season, Lamb led the league with 135 receptions, accumulating 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. With the market value for top receivers shifting, four receivers—Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown—are now in the $30 million-plus range. Lamb understandably seeks to join this tier. As of Friday, Jerry Jones acknowledged progress in the negotiations but did not provide specifics. “I would say that we’re talking,” Jones said. “I would not have a legitimate progress point there at all. And I really don’t have it for Lamb, either. And it’s not negative. I’m just thinking it wouldn’t do any good to talk about progress.”
Brandin Cooks is holding down the fort in Lamb’s absence and is reminding camp observers that he’s also been an alpha receiver for chunks of his career. SNY’s Josh Sanchez notes, “While most of the attention was on the younger pass catchers battling for the WR3 job, Cooks has been shining and standing out during practice. According to Saturday's practice reports, Cooks is, well, cooking any defensive back who lines up against him.” Speaking of the younger receivers, Jalen Tolbert has been running with the starters in Lamb’s stead and has looked good. But Tolbert was a star in camp last season and ended up only catching 22 receptions despite playing 40% of the snaps during the regular season, so we need to see more positive reports before completely buying in.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson is entrenched as the starter and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer sees Ferguson maturing as a team leader. Schottenheimer expects Ferguson’s role to expand this year, including playing some fullback. Luke Schoonmaker got off to an encouraging start in camp, and the Cowboys would benefit from having a trustworthy No. 2 tight end behind Ferguson. But shortly after Coach McCarthy offered encouraging words about Schoonmaker’s play, the oft-injured tight end left practice with a groin injury; he’s currently day-to-day.
Preseason Updates: Defense
New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is building rapport with defensive star Micah Parsons, and both have been effusive in their praise for each other. “Obviously, I’ve had some really good players,” Zimmer said. “Deion Sanders, Danielle Hunter, guys we’ve been able to do a lot of different things with. But with (Parsons), I don’t know that he couldn’t play every position. He could probably play free safety, if he wanted to. Now, I don’t want him back there covering the pass very much, but he’s brilliant, No. 1. He understands football, No. 2.” And Parsons is thrilled at the idea of being utilized in myriad ways. “I think it’s going to be a very interesting year,” Parsons said. “As you guys can see, what I’m going to be doing is a whole bunch of stuff: dropping, flats, curls. It’s really everything. They’re really just expanding my versatility, using me in ways I should be used and moving me around, making them ID me and bringing pressure from other places; bringing me when they should bring me.” Unfortunately, Sam Williams, one of the pass rushers that was supposed to take some pressure off Parsons, tore his ACL and is lost for the season. He was supposed to be the third edge option after Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. The team signed veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad this week to compete for the role, and rookie second-rounder Marshawn Kneeland will also get a long look. Lawrence is impressed by his rookie teammate, noting, “He has a lot of ambition, grit with his game,” Lawrence admired. “His fundamentals are pretty clean, especially for a rookie. It’s a high ceiling for him. I’m going to keep working with him as much as I can. I definitely think he’s going to evolve into something even better than me.”
