Mon. Practice Recap: CB Depth Thin; LB McClain Banged Up

OXNARD, Calif. – Injuries are always a part of training camp, but for some reason, they’ve been more prevalent for the Cowboys in recent years. And once again, they’re starting to pile up again as the team prepares for its first preseason game Thursday night in San Diego. Then again, it’s the first of four exhibition games, so this is always the time to remain on the precautionary side. That’s why Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones doesn’t seem too concerned how lengthy the injury report is starting to get. “I saw where 15 guys sat out for the Giants,” Jones said, referring to last Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Giants and Bills. “That’s part of camp. The good news is, most of these guys are coming back to play. Some teams aren’t that fortunate and we’ve been not that fortunate before. So far I wouldn’t say there’s any concern.” On Monday, the Cowboys had a couple new injuries. Linebacker Rolando McClain, who missed most of the scrimmage Sunday with tightness in his hamstring, returned but then left Monday’s practice. Rookie tight end Jordan Najvar had to leave the field with a rib injury. Now Jones did admit a growing concern with the depth at cornerback. With Morris Claiborne, Sterling Moore and Dashaun Phillips all missing Monday’s practice with injuries and Brandon Carr yet to arrive at camp after the passing of his mother, the Cowboys currently have just four healthy corners practicing and prepping for Thursday’s game with the Chargers.The Cowboys brought in a cornerback Charles Sawyer on Monday but he didn’t pass a physical and left unsigned. “We’re trying,” Jones said of signing a cornerback who could even play Thursday. “We’re a little thin.” Notable Standouts: Dwayne Harris – The offense had its way with the defense in Red-Zone drills and Tony Romo’s favorite target was Harris. The fourth-year receiver worked all parts of the field, but typically the middle as he continually got open on the slant. Harris had two touchdowns on consecutive drives, catching passes in the end zone from Romo. Terrence Williams – The second-year receiver had a couple of nice catches, including a diving grab in the Red-Zone offense. Williams soared through the air to haul in a pass from Romo on a third-down play that extended the drive, which ended with a Harris score. Williams also went up over rookie Terrance Mitchell in a 1-on-1 drill to snag an underthrown ball. Henry Melton – The defensive tackle has been getting beat regularly by rookie Zack Martin in 1-on-1 pass-rush drills but not on this day. Melton won all of his battles with Martin, getting inside with a spin move and then another with an overpowering push. That’s a battle that has been intense all of camp but Melton got the upper hand on this afternoon practice. [embedded_ad] Play of the Day: Cole Beasley is known more as a possession receiver but he showed the ability to make even bigger plays late in Monday’s practice. In an 11-on-11 team drill, Beasley caught a pass over the middle and split both J.J. Wilcox and Orlando Scandrick, outracing both of them and the rest of the defense for a 70-yard touchdown. Transactions: August 2 – The Dallas Cowboys waived/injured guard Brian Clarke (Bloomsburg) and signed guard Wayne Tribue (Temple). Injury Report: Left Practice: TE Jordan Najvar (ribs, oblique) LB Rolando McClain (sore knee) Missed Practice: S Barry Church (ankle) - S Barry Church (ankle) WR Dezmon Briscoe (concussion) S Jakar Hamilton (concussion) DE George Selvie (groin) CB Dashaun Phillips (hamstring) CB Sterling Moore (groin) CB Morris Claiborne (knee) DE DeMarcus Lawrence (ankle) DE Anthony Spencer (knee) DT Amobi Okoye (illness) CB Brandon Carr (personal matter) DT Terrell McClain (ankle) LB Will Smith (groin) Upcoming Schedule: Tuesday, August 5 10:30 a.m. (PT) Walk-Thru 12:00 p.m. (PT) Coach Garrett Press Conference 3:45 p.m. (PT) Practice Wednesday, August 6 No availability Team travels to San Diego