The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the end of the preseason, a crucial period where some players must prove themselves. Some strive to earn a spot on the roster, while others focus on disproving doubters during the regular season.

As a fan, you can look at the team and draw your own conclusions on which players you believe fall into each category. Your analysis keeps fandom alive.

Let’s look at a few players that fall into the categories of making the team and disproving doubters..

Players Trying to Make the Roster

The first set of players to examine are at positions of need. These positions are needed because of CeeDee Lamb’s holdout and the roster’s lackluster running backs.

Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn is the first player with something to prove in the final preseason game. The small-in-stature running back packs a lethal arsenal of juke and spin moves, but what else does he offer?

If we look at the last preseason game, fans got to see a good dose of Deuce Vaughn running the ball. He had several great runs during the game, showing his elusiveness.

One advantage of having a running back the size of Deuce Vaughn is that it enables him to hide behind the offensive lineman and hit holes other running backs cannot get through.

This trait alone can help Vaughn reach the second level, where he can go one-on-one with linebackers. He may not break many tackles, but he is quick and shifty enough to make tacklers miss.

Deuce Vaughn’s ability to play special teams would also give the Cowboys a backup punt and kick returner behind KaVontae Turpin.

Ryan Flournoy

The wide receiver room could be a tough position for a player to find a roster spot, but Ryan Flournoy is having a decent preseason.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy has taken note of Ryan Flournoy’s play in the first two preseason games. He had this to say about Flournoy:

“I just think he’s a young man that gets better with every opportunity, Obviously had the injury, missed some time, I just love the way he bounced back. You can see the confidence from week one to week two, he took a huge step.”

High praise from the man you want to get noticed by during the preseason, but what does Ryan Flournoy bring in terms of talent?

He has the size to play receiver in the NFL, standing at 6’1 and 202 lbs. He has the ability, as evidenced by his burning Las Vegas Raider cornerback Jack Jones on a catch for a touchdown. Which, by the way, was a battle between the two all game.

Ryan Flournoy vs. Jack Jones was a fun matchup.

Flournoy gets the last laugh pic.twitter.com/yqbsuDfaTl

— Dave Heilman NFL (@DynastyDorks) August 20, 2024

Ryan Flournoy also has position flex; he can play receiver and special teams. Teams look for these dual roles at the bottom of the depth chart players.

All in all, Ryan Flournoy displays potential and could sneak onto the roster over some of the other wide receiver prospects if he shows some consistency in the finale.

Players Disproving Doubters

These next couple of players have been highly touted in the past but are now veterans with the Dallas Cowboys. Many people believe they have nothing left in the tank, but they come to the team well-rested.

Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott has returned to the Cowboys after a year-long hiatus in the Northeast. While with the New England Patriots, Elliott put up mediocre numbers, but that could change with a team that has a passing attack.

The last time Ezekiel Elliott was with the Cowboys was in 2022. That year, he split time with Tony Pollard in the backfield.

Oh, but Elliott only averaged 3.8 yards a carry. Many fans do not remember the injuries the offensive line suffered in 2022, which is a big deal for a running back.

For most of that year, the offensive line in front of Ezekiel Elliott was Left Tackle Tyler Smith (R), Left Guard Connor McGovern, Center Tyler Biadasz, Right Guard Zack Martin, and RT Josh Ball.

It’s not an awe-inspiring offensive line for a running game. However, Elliott still averaged 3.8 yards a carry and got into the end zone 12 times.

The offensive line will also have a couple of rookies this year, but the difference could be the size and power the rookies have shown so far in the preseason.

Ezekiel Elliott can average over four yards a carry, which could be very easy to reach.

Elliott also brings back elite pass blocking from the running back position to the Cowboys. Having one of the best passing games in the NFL will open up significant holes for Elliott late in the game.

This will absolutely be a year when Ezekiel Elliott proves the doubters wrong.

Jalen Tolbert

Good ol’ Jalen Tolbert, whom many have labeled a bust, will be the number three wide receiver entering the year.

Jalen Tolbert has had a great offseason thus far, which should contribute to the season. As crazy as it sounds, a few fans have compared him to Justin Jefferson. I can tell that it’s solely based on the size comparison.

Jalen Tolbert: 6’1, 195 pounds

Justin Jefferson: 6’1, 195 pounds

Ima leave there there for ya’ll 🤷🏽‍♂️ .. They look identical. Don’t be surprised if this time next year, we’re talking about the #Cowboys having 2 of the best WR’s in the NFL in CeeDee Lamb and Tolbert 👀#Vikings pic.twitter.com/pZcuKaeKsU

— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) August 21, 2024

This is a wild take, but it’s being floated around on X.com. It’s almost laughable, but hey, everyone has an opinion.

Jalen Tolbert is not Justin Jefferson, but he could be one of the best third-wide receivers in the league this year. Possibly, beating out Brandin Cooks for the number two slot at wide receiver.

A 1,000 yard season and about 5 touchdowns is not out of the realm of possibilities for Jalen Tolbert this year.

If he reaches these numbers, it will put a stop to the doubters.

These four players have something to prove in the final preseason games or the regular season. They are all worth watching to see if they have what it takes to help this team.

As the preseason wraps up, let’s enjoy being Cowboys fans and being a part of making America’s Team great again.