The Dallas Cowboys are on the road for their second preseason game on Saturday night, this time against the Arizona Cardinals. After beating the current Super Bowl champions in the exhibition opener, the Cowboys get a milder test going up against a team that isn’t expected to be very good in 2026.
The purpose of the preseason isn’t necessarily to win, however, but to get an evaluation of the team. The Cowboys got the win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, yet there was a sense they could’ve performed better. Special teams and penalties were a problem, and there are plenty players fighting for few roster spots. Mix it all together with a much awaited pro debut, and here are five Cowboys to watch for in the matchup with the Cardinals.
LB Jaishawn Barham
The third-round pick from Michigan had been one of the stars in training camp, but a groin injury cost Barham valuable practice time, also causing him to miss the exhibition opener. Barham was back on the field for the last workout in Oxnard and is on track to make his debut in Week 2.
Few players have captured the attention of camp observers like Barham, now fans will get to see what the hype is about firsthand.
WR Camden Brown
Another rookie who has intrigued gets an opportunity to prove he belongs. It was a banner performance for Brown against the Seahawks; his two highlight reel touchdowns have given him a better chance to claim a roster spot.
The undrafted rookie free agent had another good week of practice leading up to the second preseason game, so if he can play well once again, the Cowboys might have found a hidden gem at wide receiver.
Brown was also working on punt returns this week, something to keep an eye on against the Cardinals. If he can find a role on special teams, it’ll be hard to keep Brown off the 53-man roster.
LB Marist Liufau
The Cowboys need help at linebacker, and Liufau appears to be running out of time to contribute. Liufau began training camp as an outside LB who was getting a look at pass rusher, but that doesn’t seem to be a fit either.
Veteran Von Miller was brought in to help pressure the quarterback, a sign that Liufau’s days could be numbered.
During practice this week, Liufau was also working at his original position of inside LB, a place where he has yet to establish himself as a consistent pro player. Liufau will get another chance to state his case to stick around.
RBs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah
Both played in the exhibition opener, but neither impressed, leading to rumblings about the Cowboys looking in to trading for a running back. During training camp, observers have expressed the top backup RB after starter Javante Wiliams has been Malik Davis, who was also their best performer in the backfield against the Seahawks.
The hope is the Cowboys have both second-year runners available against the Cardinals, as both have missed time this week with injuries. Blue hurt his shoulder and Mafah hasn’t practiced all week with a chest issue; both are listed as questionable.
If either or both do play, they’ll have to show more than they did in Week 1. Time is running out for both young RBs.
OL Nate Thomas
Coming into camp, Thomas was fighting for a starting job. However, with Tyler Guyton locking down the left tackle gig and right tackle Terence Steele struggling some this summer, Thomas has been working on the right side as well. No matter where he lines up, the third-year lineman remains a work in progress.
Backup offensive line is an area of concern for the Cowboys, who don’t seem to have enough quality. Thomas was supposed to be a top option, but he hasn’t had a strong camp.
The game against the Cardinals is another shot for Thomas to get better, and the offensive line remains a place where the Cowboys are trying to find answers behind the starting five. Thomas will be a player to watch.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 5 Cowboys to watch in Week 2 of the preseason vs the Cardinals
Reporting by Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
