This Monday, the Cowboys had the eighth practice of their 2023 training camp. This session, it is worth mentioning, was marked by two absences and a good role by the defense in team exercises, among other notes.
Here’s a look back at the highlights from Day 8 of the cowboy team’s practice in Oxnard.
Tony Pollard and CeeDee Lamb do not train this Monday
One of the major developments of the day was the absence of running back Tony Pollard and catcher CeeDee Lamb. According to reports, Pollard did not train due to a personal reason. Meanwhile, the coaching staff decided to give Lamb a day off. Therefore, there is no reason to worry.
Tony Pollard (personal reason) and CeeDee Lamb (rest day, non-injury) did not practice today. #Cowboys
“Tell ‘em I’m good!” – Lamb jokingly
OK then: He’s good, folks.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 7, 2023
Without Pollard and Jones, young running backs seize opportunity
With Tony Pollard absent and Ronald Jones injured, Dallas’ other running backs had more opportunities during practice Monday. The one who made the most of this was Malik Davis, who was quite elusive and finding holes easily. However, Rico Dowdle and rookie Deuce Vaughn were not far behind and also made good impressions.
It’s fourth down and RB Malik Davis gets the call. There is language here. pic.twitter.com/IU2RxdTo2x
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 7, 2023
Cowboys rookie RB Deuce Vaughn running behind LT Tyron Smith in open space. pic.twitter.com/bGU6LudN2p
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 7, 2023
Luke Schoonmaker trains for the first time with Dallas
As expected, rookie Luke Schoonmaker joined the Dallas camp on Monday. This marked the tight end’s first workout since his arrival at the Cowboys. This, let’s remember, due to a plantar fasciitis injury that the Michigan product had been dragging for months.
Not surprisingly, Schoonmaker had a moderate workload in his first practice after overcoming his injury. In fact, the second-round pick did not participate in the team exercises. However, “Schoon” left good impressions in the individual position exercises.
A long time coming: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to rookie TE Luke Schoonmaker (foot) in padded practice. pic.twitter.com/vD588TssAl
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 7, 2023
Gallup and Tolbert, among the outstanding receivers of the day
Two Dallas receivers who had good practice were Michael Gallup and Jalen Tolbert. During the day’s “Mojo Moment,” recreating a 4th-chance situation, Gallup was among the highlights. Meanwhile, Tolbert had a first down conversion despite coverage from Stephon Gilmore. Without a doubt, a solid day for two receivers who want to show their best version after their bad year in 2022.
We had a fourth and four, part of the Mojo Moment and Michael Gallup makes a play across the middle. pic.twitter.com/RsyZRNav4R
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 7, 2023
Tough catch made by Jalen Tolbert on Stephon Gilmore for a first down. #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/tCRQiYrCVZ
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 7, 2023
An undrafted receiver begins to draw attention
Someone making himself known in Oxnard during late practices is receiver John Stephens Jr. The undrafted rookie had one of the best catches of Monday’s session. Besides, he did a good job as an outside receiver.
With the high competition at backup receiver spots, it’s hard for Stephens to make Dallas’ roster. However, he is a name to watch during preseason games.
John Stephens Jr.’s receiving background has been on display during all of camp. Makes an athletic grab here downfield.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/13h1sxuMBk
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) August 7, 2023
Micah Parsons stands up to one of his teammates
Someone who continues to draw attention for his competitiveness in practices is Micah Parsons. During a team exercise, the pass-rusher was tagged out by linemen Tyler Biadasz and Brock Hoffman. Both celebrated the play, but Parsons did not remain calm.
In a later replay, Parsons outran Hoffman for a tackle for loss. Immediately afterwards, he “celebrated” in the face of the offensive lineman as if he were a rival. In fact, a member of the coaching staff had to intervene to separate them.
It is true that this attitude of Parsons is normal in this sport. However, the Penn State product is drawing a lot of attention for the way he approaches team workouts.
Cowboys LB Micah Parsons had defense’s back. RG Brock Hoffman and C Tyler Biadasz performed a well-executed combo block, celebrating loudly together after getting movement on NT Mazi Smith. Next play, Parsons took on a pulling Hoffman, got TFL and let him hear about it. Football. pic.twitter.com/rzTIkBxKxf
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 7, 2023
A great day for Dante Fowler
Continuing with the Dallas defense, someone who stood out was Dante Fowler. The defensive end made several tackles for loss with the assistance of his teammates. Definitely a solid day for someone who can be a key rotation inside his position.
Dante Fowler again for the TFL, this time assisted by Mazi Smith and Jabril Cox. #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/JMtRwMbgRf
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) August 7, 2023
Israel Mukuamu leaves good feelings after his return
Last Saturday, safety Israel Mukuamu returned to practice in Oxnard after a week and a half without doing so. This, let’s remember, due to a hamstring injury he suffered on the first day of camp.
However, Mukuamu impressed on Monday, breaking up several passes and nearly picking up an interception. A pretty solid performance for a player who could have more of a role in Dallas’ defense this year.
Israel Mukuamu is definitely back. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/IV7NxznoF1
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 7, 2023
Brandon Aubrey, only kicker at the moment
Finally, the competition for the place of kicker now has only one candidate for the moment: Brandon Aubrey. On Monday, the Cowboys released kicker Tristan Vizcaíno after an unconvincing performance in Oxnard. And although what Aubrey has shown is not something to launch rockets yet, both the coaches and the leadership expressed confidence in him.
After Vizcaíno’s departure, Aubrey had a greater workload this Monday. During the day’s drills, the former USFL player made 7 of his 9 field goal attempts. In theory, the preseason game against the Jaguars would be a key test for Aubrey. Meanwhile, the arrival of another kicker to compete for ownership is not ruled out.
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey started out hot, but missed two of his last three today, finishing 7 of 9 pic.twitter.com/4Q8GhFSEyr
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 7, 2023
This Tuesday, the Cowboys will have a new practice session in Oxnard. This would be the second of three scheduled camp practices before playing Jacksonville on Saturday. As usual, we will be attentive to the news that arise during the next few hours.
2023-08-08 00:25:46
#Cowboys #Camp #Day #Young #Running #Backs
