OXNARD, Calif. – One of the best plays in training camp occurred Tuesday afternoon when Dak Prescott threw a deep pass toward George Pickens.
DaRon Bland had good coverage on Pickens, who jumped up and snagged the sideline throw for a long completion. It’s just part of what coach Brian Schottenheimer wants in the final two days of the Cowboys’ training camp practices: Elite competition.
“It just keeps getting us prepared for these games that we got going on,” Bland said. “Each day we come out here practice with full pads, it takes great assault.”
The Cowboys finish camp here with two full padded practices. Tuesday’s session lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes and Wednesday is scheduled for two hours.
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After a walk-through practice on Thursday, the Cowboys head home to Texas for the final portions of camp at The Star and two home preseason games.
Autographs and airhorns: Photos from Cowboys Tuesday training camp practice
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In the meantime, Schottenheimer is hopeful he can get his team into some physical work while also tweaking the depth chart.
While Cooper Beebe remains the starting center, Brock Hoffman got some work on the first and second teams in practice. It’s part of building depth along the offensive line.
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At one point during Tuesday’s practice, T.J. Bass was at center, Asim Richards was the left guard and Geron Christian played left tackle with Joe Milton at quarterback.
With running back Jaydon Blue (ankle) missing practice, it allowed Deuce Vaughn to work with the first team. He looked good by showing some lateral movement as he made a few defenders miss in space.
The Cowboys also had rush ends Sam Williams and Donovan Ezeiruaku with the second unit as Solomon Thomas and Jay Toia were defensive tackles. Ezeiruaku had a sack in team drills.
Nickel corner remains unknown as Zion Childress, Kemon Hall and Israel Mukuamu continue to battle for the starting gig. Hall got a sack as he blitzed from the slot.
Receiver Traeshon Holden worked with the second team after Schottenheimer noted he will move up the depth chart following the preseason opener.
Andrew Booth has remained with the second team at corner but was joined on Tuesday by Bruce Harmon. The Cowboys are missing four cornerbacks so as this team gets close to breaking camp, it’s time to figure out a few things with the depth chart, especially with players fighting for roster spots.
“It’s a big part of it just because we want to make the right decision and we will we’ll make the right decision come cut down day and to do that you have to have all the information,” Schottenheimer said. “And we’ll have a staff meeting tonight to kinda finalize some of that stuff and get a feel for okay, ‘Hey this guy is doing good.’ Yesterday with the mocks [games] and stuff we moved a number of guys to different spots both up and down [the depth chart].”
Bland’s contract talks
Bland enters the final year of his contract seeking a new deal. The Cowboys corner said talks have occurred with his agent and club officials.
He said he wants to get a deal done before the start of the regular season.
“I do,” he said. “I’m not really here to talk about it really so much. Hopefully.”
The Cowboys have secured the contract of one player entering a contract year and that’s tight end Jake Ferguson. Pass rusher Micah Parsons seeks a contract extension and is currently in a hold-in situation. Kicker Brandon Aubrey also enters a contract year. Left guard Tyler Smith, considered one of the better players at his position, is signed through 2026. Team officials haven’t held talks with him yet.
Mazi Smith with a hard grade
Cowboys Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played 14 snaps in the preseason opener and wasn’t pleased with his performance.
“Just keep getting better,” he said. “The first one I wasn’t happy with, to be honest. I didn’t do anything but keep learning the scheme keep getting off the ball and not worry about anything.”
Smith didn’t make any tackles in the game against the Rams. He also faced several double-teams where he said he’s supposed to split the blockers.
“I just didn’t do anything,” he said. “You got to do something. I’m a first round-pick, there’s expectations, it’s my third year.”
Briefly
While kicking with the wind, Aubrey made five of six field goals, converting 33, 26, 37, 42 and 52 yards. Aubrey was wide right on a 44 yarder. … WR Jalen Brooks (hip) and S Alijah Clark (elbow) missed practice. DE Payton Turner left practice with a rib injury. He originally injured the ribs during the preseason opener but returned. … RB Miles Sanders (knee) returned to practice but was limited.
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