With the NFL preseason upon us, we’ve reached the point of training camp when many fans would like to see their team’s top players safely cocooned in bubble wrap and set aside until the games matter. Thursday showed why, with the Cowboys getting injury scares from tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Jaydon Blue. Both players left the field early; we’ll have the latest on their status. Just as notable on Thursday, though, was the absence of both owner Jerry Jones and edge rusher Micah Parsons. Some assume that a new deal is finally being finalized, but in the meantime, we’ll look at the biggest unanswered questions in the high-dollar drama, we’ll hear what Dak Prescott had to say about the situation he himself has been in twice, and we’ll see how a similar dilemma basically torpedoed an AFC squad not too long ago.
Elsewhere, one Cowboys rookie is getting one-on-one help from a just-returned veteran on the other side of the ball, we’ll look at two unexpected contenders at the cornerback position, we’ll spotlight the rookie running backs and their unique skill sets, and we’ll reveal why Brian Schottenheimer isn’t revealing anything more than he has to in August. All that, plus could Dak Prescott actually play during this preseason? And Stephen Jones and Trevon Diggs may be patching up their offseason feud over his workout fines.
Updates: Ferguson, Blue exit practice early :: The Mothership
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It was a rough day in Oxnard, and a busy one for the medical staff. Jake Ferguson took an awkward hit and stayed down a while before leaving under his own power, holding his lower back. Jaydon Blue was carted to the tent but was able to return to the field in a T-shirt and shorts. Neither injury seemed exceptionally worrisome by the end of practice.
Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones aren’t at Thursday’s Cowboys practice :: ProFootballTalk
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Parsons was nowhere to be found as the team practiced Thursday. And neither was Jones, leading to some speculation that the two were tucked away in an office, hammering out a deal. There was no official word on the reason for their absences (though one outlet reports a source saying Parsons was getting treatment on his back).
‘Guaranteeing someone almost $200M’? 2 big questions remain in Cowboys-Parsons standoff :: Cowboys Wire
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In the absurd drama between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons, why hasn’t the owner just sent the lucrative offer he and Parsons supposedly agreed upon to agent David Mulugheta? And why hasn’t the agent simply reached out to Jones more proactively for his client? Someone- and it doesn’t really matter who- in this scenario should just suck it up and act like a grown-up.
Jones, Parsons rumored to have met Wednesday night :: Shan Shariff
Dak Prescott says ‘Eleven is Cowboy’ after Micah Parsons doesn’t attend practice :: The Athletic
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Prescott has been in Parsons’s shoes. Twice. Both times resulted in him getting record-setting deals. As ugly as things can get during those kinds of negotiations, Prescott pointed out how quickly the relationship can be repaired. “I’ve got faith in the Joneses and the team as I do in Micah and his team,” the QB said Thursday. “Eleven is a Cowboy.”
We already know what a Micah Parsons trade looks like :: D Magazine
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Khalil Mack was one of the best defenders in football and on his fifth-year option when the Raiders shipped him off in the lead-up to the 2018 season. Mack scored a league-high deal with another team; the Raiders went 4-12 and still haven’t recovered. And given how teams are hoarding high draft picks now, Dallas wouldn’t likely get what the Raiders did (two first-rounders) in that deal. The Cowboys have invested heavily in Prescott, Lamb, and even to get Pickens; sinking their defense by trading Parsons would be suicide.
Stephen Jones, Trevon Diggs share moment during contentious camp :: Jon Machota
What we learned from Cowboys camp on Thursday: UDFA Zion Childress earns starting reps :: Dallas Morning News
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The former Kentucky Wildcat started slow but has risen up the depth chart all camp long. Childress took reps with the starting defense at cornerback for the first time and performed well at nickel. He should get more of an opportunity versus the Rams. “I’m super excited to line up against somebody else and actually be able to hit them and put them on the ground,” Childress said.
UDFA corner with whopping 56 college games played hoping to impress Cowboys coaches :: Cowboys Wire
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Bruce Harmon just completed his sixth season at Stephen A. Austin. The 25-year-old rookie is already an elder statesman in the locker room, despite having zero pro experience. He may be a long shot, but if there’s a group he can break in with, it might be the Cowboys’ thinned-out cornerbacks corps.
Schottenheimer’s Cowboys keep things vanilla on purpose, won’t unleash until games matter :: Cowboys Wire
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Anyone hoping for a sneak peak of what Brian Schottenheimer plans for his offense this season will have to wait a while longer. He’s “playing with a 7-iron” in the preseason, he says, keeping things simple and protecting the playbook until the regular season. If the first-time head coach has any big bells and whistles planned, he’ll be able to keep them under wraps for another month.
Dak Prescott drops potential Cowboys bombshell for preseason :: SI.com
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Prescott hasn’t played in a preseason game in five years, but he’s staying ready this weekend, just in case. “I’m all for playing,” the QB said. “This one, the next one.” It’s pretty unlikely- especially given that he hasn’t played since November due to that hamstring injury- but it’s good to see the competitive juices flowing.
Just-returned La’el Collins working with rookie DE :: Kyle Youmans
Cowboys rookie RB showing toughness, defying expectations with inside power :: Cowboys Wire
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Running backs coach Derrick Foster says fifth-round draft pick Jaydon Blue has surprised him with his toughness, showing good power and patience between the tackles. It’s a welcome bonus from a speedster who has already had his work ethic questioned in his very first offseason.
Tiger Blam: Cowboys RB making big noise in camp at right time, or is coach blowing smoke? :: Cowboys Wire
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He’s a one-cut, north-south power back, but can the seventh-rounder out of Clemson stand out in a crowded RB room? That’s the question for Phil Mafah. He’s a big-bodied power back who does have the ability to break off huge gains if he makes it to the second level. If he can prove to be more than just a short-yardage solution, he stands a chance to carve out a role on game day.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Headlines: Injuries hit Thursday practice; movement between Micah Parsons, Jerry?
Reporting by Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
