The Dallas Cowboys will play their final preseason game at home Saturday night against the La Vegas Raiders.
For most players, it is the final stop before the regular season starts. For others, it’s the last chance to show why they should make the 53-man roster.
After the news of Sam Williams yesterday, this preseason game gives some other players an opportunity to make a statement and a chance to slip into the final roster.
Roster cuts come after the game. A few players on the bubble have their last chance to make a case for their spot on the 53-man roster.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones: "I think this is as deep a team as we've ever had. There's no question it's going to be the hardest 53 cut that we've had in years and years."
Is there a greater chance than usual of possibly trading a player before roster cuts?
Jones: "I don't think…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 22, 2023
What the watch
Both Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn have shown flashes of why they should be the RB 2.
Vaughn has been electric all camp and has a few scores this preseason. He gets to the second level with ease, it seems like.
Now you see Deuce Vaughn…. and now you don't!pic.twitter.com/0Pf0SFvRsU
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 20, 2023
Dowdle is a bigger, stronger back that the Cowboys need. We all know he isn’t Zeke, but he has a chance to be the short-yardage back.
We will see who ends up as the No. 2 back on the depth chart, but neither will hold that title.
We will see both of them be used in the situation that suits them the best.
We haven’t heard much about Malik Davis, so he may be the guy who receives limited snaps.
He did have eight carries for 32 yards last week against Seattle, but only four the week before.
If he get’s more action, keep an eye on him to try and make one last charge.
Ronald Jones has been dealing with an injury and is suspended for the first handful of games to start the season.
Brandon Aubrey
Aubrey has been in my what to watch every week.
That is because he has only kicked two extra points in the first two preseason games.
He made them both but give his kid some pressure. I need to see him kick from distance in the middle of a game, not practice.
At this point, we have no choice but to think this is who Jerry and the boys will roll into week one with.
Social media will be red hot when he misses his first field goal in week one against the Giants.
Jalen Tolbert’s spot is locked
Jalen Tolbert has been incredible this preseason.
Tolbert has done enough to allow him to start the season as the No. 4 wide receiver on the depth chart.
After the first two games, Tolbert has six catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert caught four passes for 66 yards Saturday vs. Seahawks despite having played just 26 offensive snaps. Here is story from June on what clicked for the 2022 third-round pick: https://t.co/ome7L31HT5 pic.twitter.com/2ynccGePDO
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 20, 2023
Tolbert has made sure to try and make folks forget about what happened a year ago.
CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, KaVontae Turpin, Michael Gallup, Tolbert and Jalen Brooks is my final guess as to who will make the 53-man roster.
Simi Fehoko has had a rough offseason/training camp that his time is nearing an end.
I was very surprised by Brooks. He has looked better than anyone else battling for a spot outside of Tolbert.
Jake Ferguson should be the starting tight end in week one. Luke Schoonmaker and Peyton Hendershot have a chance to show if they have anything worth moving them up.
Please just stay away from anymore injuries.
Last Saturday the Cowboys took a blow losing DeMarvion Overshown for the season with a torn ACL.
