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The Dallas Cowboys first preseason game kicks off Saturday afternoon against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Even though we can pencil in most of the Cowboys' 53-man roster, there are some big holes these next few weeks that will help fill.
The No. 4 wide receiver is still open, who will emerge as the backup running back is still yet to be settled.
Yes, it will be gross, and not many players, even the backups, will get time.
Even with both of those up in the air, here are three things and/or players to watch in week one of the preseason.
Wide Reciever Battle
Man, Jalen Brooks has caught my eye the last few weeks during Cowboys training camp.
The 7th-round pick from South Carolina has impressed in the last two weeks.
He only had 504 yards last season in 12 games, but every time I got on Twitter or X, whatever you want to call it, he was balling.
The wideout No. 4 spot is still WIDE open, but Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin have also been balling, and most of their time comes with the first-team offense.
Jalen Brooks pic.twitter.com/zm98MVWNf9
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 8, 2023
We will see Tolbert, and Turpin may be sprinkled in here and there.
Brandon Aubrey
The Cowboys released Tristan Vizcaino Monday afternoon, leaving Brandon Aubrey as the only kicker on the roster.
Aubrey wasn't much better, but as of right now, Jerry Jones says they are sticking with him.
I will tell you what. With the roster the way it is, they cannot let a kicker who just started kicking football a few years ago COST them games.
That is exactly what he will do this season.
Absolutely no reason why Dallas should not sign a guy and let him compete for the next month; this will not end well.
After two short attempts to conclude the afternoon, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey finished 11-for-11 Tuesday. His first perfect slate of training camp. Important to stack days, but it was the type of showing that reinforces the Cowboys' high confidence in him.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 8, 2023
If Aubrey struggles all Saturday, expect someone else to be brought in.
The rookies
My last focus will be on the rookies.
Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, Chuma Edoga, and Eric Scott Jr.
I would guess that Smith would get the least time because we know what he will be.
Vaughn will more than likely see more time with Ronald Jones hurt.
Edoga is interesting because his name may be called during the regular season if some offensive linemen go down with an injury.
A big preseason could be beneficial for him.
Scott has played well the last few weeks in camp.
The Cowboys traded up to select him in the sixth round.
In 2022, Scott finished with 27 tackles, two for loss, and seven passes defended. He had two interceptions, both he took to the house for touchdowns.
Cowboys rookie CB Eric Scott pic.twitter.com/reQVblZK7C
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 1, 2023
He will be a player to watch on Saturday.
According to reports, the Jags plan to play most of their starters for a part of the game.
We may see some other starters for the Cowboys, but Dak Prescott won't be one of them.
I have a bad feeling about playing guys this early; even training camp has left some players with injuries.
They can't afford to lose anyone with the roster the Cowboys have.
More must-reads:
- Ranking the NFL's five international games from worst to best
- Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
- The 'Super Bowl starting QBs' quiz
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