OXNARD, Calif. – Head coach Jason Garrett addressed the media one last time before the Cowboys leave Oxnard for Dallas on Friday. Thursday the team prepared for their second preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Saturday marks the first game on their home turf of the 2018 season.
Tavon Austin left practice yesterday with a tight hamstring, along with Leighton Vander Esch, who suffered a strained groin. Garrett addressed both of their situations today by stating “we will see how he feels and if he is available” closer to game time on Saturday. No doubt they will suit up and be on the field if they physically can, but if not, it is not worth making the soreness worse and risking further injury by putting them on the field. No. 55 and No.10 will both be playing roles this season for the Cowboys: Austin as a versatile receiver in the run, pass, and on special teams as a punt/kick returner, and Vander Esch as a middle linebacker behind Jaylon Smith in the depth chart. Ben Bloom has plans to utilize the talents of his linebacker core on the field.
Garrett also addressed the possibility of Randy Gregory making his first appearance on Saturday. “ We are having discussions about who is playing. No question he has done a very nice job. He has gone against the number one offensive line and held up well against the run and in rushing the passer. “
Who will play come Saturday is uncertain but overall the cowboys had a great camp. The young players began to grow and the veterans began to take charge of their leadership roles. The defensive and offensive lines looked quick and forceful on man-to-man pass protection drills, and Dak Prescott formed relationships with his receivers and seems to be having more ease in the pocket and has better timing on his release. Cole Beasley will now become an X and Y receiver, and Michael Gallup and Tavon Austin have the speed to beat corners down the sideline and hands to make the necessary catches.
The ground game is off to a great start with Rod Smith and Bo Scarbrough taking some of the pressure off Ezekiel Elliott. They both stood out in trashcan drills that test and mimic the back’s ability to react quickly and find the hole after the ball is snapped at the line of scrimmage. The defensive backfield is off to a solid start with Byron Jones taking ownership of his newfound role as a cornerback. He had several interceptions in Oxnard, and has paired well with Michael Gallup on man-to-man press coverage.
The Dallas Cowboys accomplished what they wanted to in Oxnard and will now conclude their training camp at the Star in Frisco:
Monday, August 20 – 5:30 p.m. practice
Tuesday, August 21 – 5:30 p.m. practice
Wednesday, August 22 – Player off day
Thursday, August 23 – 11:00 a.m. practice
Friday, August 24 – 11:00 a.m. practice
Tuesday, August 28 – 11:00 a.m. practice
