Thompson Returns​​​ Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson, who Dallas signed to a three-year, $33 million deal this offseason, returned to the 11-on-11 portions of practice on Sunday. Thompson had been dealing with a hip flexor injury suffered earlier in training camp. During OTAs and minicamp, Thompson was also dealing with a minor pectoral injury. When Thompson has been on the field, he's been a player that has caught Brian Schottenheimer's eye not just for his tape, but his leadership. "You look at the player that jumps off the film, then you look at the person, and you see why he's that way," Schottenheimer said of Thompson. "I think he said today he's going into year eight… when your best players practice that way, that's usually the standard for success. Because all the young guys are trying to still figure it out, which they are, the young guys are still trying to figure it out. They see that, they replicate that, and then you've got a bunch of guys practicing that way."

From the Top Easily the most intense practice of training camp so far, Sunday's back-and-forth battle actually started from head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who wasn't too pleased with the effort from either side at first. After a few choice words from the coach, the players responded with a physical battle that seemed on the verge of a few fights, but it never got that far. The players were popping on every play, and it wasn't just the defense delivering hits as the running backs kept the pads low and brought the power to each run. All in all, both sides had big plays and likely claimed a "victory" for the day. And to think, Schotty didn't like the intensity at first.

Top CAMper One thing we know for sure - rookie Camden Brown won't be wearing No. 6 when the season starts- that will go to Donovan Ezeiruaku, who switched to 6 in the offseason. But Brown is making a case that he's going to wear another number, because he keeps making plays in each practice. Brown had two more great touchdown catches on Sunday, although one was ruled out of bounds by the on-field refs. Brown, an undrafted rookie from Georgia Southern, is having one of the best camps among the rookies, and definitely from the young receivers trying to earn a spot.

50 Shades Don't forget about Shemar James, who might not earn a starting job, but he's going to have a role on the defense. James was in the right place Sunday, getting an interception near the goal line when a hurried Dak Prescott dumped the ball off to a back who wasn't there. James was there and made the pick and returned it for what likely would've been a 95-yard return. James could end up being one of the key special teams players, but will also compete for linebacker reps with Jaishawn Barham, Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown.

Latest on Barham​​ One of the biggest winners in Cowboys training camp thus far has been rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who has made flash plays all over the field. He's earned praise from Stephen Jones, Brian Schottenheimer and Jerry Jones, who called him a "war daddy." Barham has been dealing with a groin injury since August 6, and Barham has been on the field with Cowboys director of rehab Britt Brown working on the resistance cords as he prepares to come back to practice. It's unclear when he will do so, but the groin injury is not considered to be serious.

Smith's Snap Count During team periods in Cowboys training camp, there have been times when T.J. Bass has worked in at left guard with the first-team offense as Tyler Smith watches on. When asked about it on Sunday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that decision is more so for Dallas to be smart with the reps that Smith is getting, and ensuring that he's in the best shape possible. "This time of year when you get going, you start doing different things with different guys who have played a lot of football," Schottenheimer said. "It's really just us limiting reps and letting other guys work and stuff like that. But nothing more than that."

Barham's Status

The Cowboys are confident rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham avoided any serious setback with a groin injury that popped up on Thursday. It was enough to send him off the field and into the locker room early, but Barham was able to come back on the field in street clothes to finish practice. He was also on the field for the team's walk-through later that evening.

How much he does in the next few days will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehab but it's expected Barham will be able to return to action sooner than later, possibly even for the upcoming joint practice on Tuesday against the Rams.

A third-round pick from Michigan, Barham has been one of the early stars of camp, already pushing for a starting spot with veteran Dee Winters.

Fant to IR

Not long after suffering a season-ending knee injury, Princeton Fant was moved from the active roster to Injured Reserve. Fant spent Thursday on the sideline with crutches as he waits for the swelling to subside before having reconstructive surgery on his torn ACL and partially-torn MCL.

Over the last three seasons, Fant has been up and down on the roster and practice squad, but he's played 11 games, including one last year.

The Cowboys claimed Zack Kuntz off waivers to fill Fant's spot. The veteran tight end was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round in 2023 and has spent time with the Dolphins and Raiders.

Right to Left

If there's someone that understands the challenges Tyler Guyton is facing this year in Year 3, it would be the player on the other end of the line. Terence Steele, while he wasn't a first-round pick, he's been through the battles over his career and his heard his share of criticism. Yet, he's fought through it and continued to work, just like he's seen from Guyton.

Steele was asked his opinion on Guyton's progress so far in camp.

"Like a pro … like a true pro. He could've gone a different way about it," Steele said of Guyton. "I was with him this offseason. He worked his butt off. He came up in this camp confident and it's on display. I'm proud of him … very proud of him."

Worth the Hype

Malik Hooker was a first-round pick from Ohio State who played safety, so he knows exactly what Caleb Downs is dealing with. So far, after a couple of weeks here in Oxnard, Hooker says Downs "everything they've hyped him up to be."

Hooker said he understands how Ohio State preps players for this moment, something that helped himself and Downs as well.

"He's just a dawg," Hooker said of Downs. "You see Caleb lining up against CeeDee, he feels like he's going to win that rep. That's the mentality we want our defensive guys to have. He's a special player and everything they've hyped him up to me. He's a great football player, but a great guy off the field. He's humble and asks the right questions. He doesn't talk much, but he's not shy. I just can't wait to see what kind of player he's going to be."

Seeing Red

Dak Prescott said it's hard to fix a problem if you don't know why it was broken. That's the mentality the quarterback said they've used this offseason when addressing the red-zone issues from last year. On average, the Cowboys were kicking one field goal a game during a trip inside the 20 yard line, something they're trying to cut down with more offensive efficiency. And so far, so good.

"Just understanding why we weren't (better in the red zone) last year. I think that's the biggest reason. It's hard to fix a problem if you don't know the why behind it. And for us, we had a big study in the off season. That was one of our biggest studies because we were bad in that area. And so we found that "why" and then we're able to go and attack that starting in the spring to now."

Prescott said they haven't worked on it too much so far in camp, but that's something that will ramp up as the preseason games occur and we get closer to the season.

"We've only had one true red zone day or whatever. But I already felt the growth. I already felt the jump that we're trying to make. And at the end of the day, it's focus for a lot of guys. The field's shorter. The opportunity for error is almost slim to none if you want to get in the end zone. But the fact that we know the why, I feel great about us fixing it."

CeeDee is 6th, Pickens 19th While George Pickens won't be able to get a new contract until the end of the season since the deadline has passed for franchise-tagged players to negotiate new deals, it's becoming clear that he will likely make quite the leap from his current state of the 19th highest-paid receiver.

Even at $27.1 million, Pickens has 18 receivers in front of him, including Zay Flowers and Chris Olave, who recently got major contract extensions. And now, with Flowers jumping up to $35 million per season, he's moved ahead of CeeDee Lamb, who is sixth at $34 million per season.

Return of Locke Safety P.J. Locke missed most of the first week of practice with a hyperextended knee but he was able to return on Tuesday and will continue to work himself back into action.

Locke, one of the two free-agent safety signings in the offseason along with Jalen Thompson, will be fighting for reps in what has turned into a very deep safety position. Obviously, the addition of Caleb Downs has changed the outlook, but even down at the bottom of the depth chart is crowded with the likes of Markquese Bell, Julius Wood, Reddy Steward and Alijah Clark.

Blue Streak One of the better position battles of camp is the competition for backup running back. And while the starter Javonte Williams doesn't seem to have much of a battle for his job, there are at least two, maybe three that are getting a healthy amount of reps.

For now, it does appear as if second-year pro Jayden Blue has the early lead. He's not only going second in the individual drills, but also making a huge play in just about every practice. He did it again Tuesday, taking a simple screen pass some 50 yards untouched to the end zone, showing his blazing speed. But, Malik David and Phil Mafah are both getting plenty of chances to compete as well.

Torn ACL for Fant While the Cowboys were hopeful for better news on Princeton Fant, it was determined later in the day Tuesday the tight end indeed has a torn ACL, along with a partial MCL tear, and will eventually require season-ending surgery. "Really disappointed for him, for everything that he's put into this," Brian Schottenheimer said. "Obviously he was very disappointed. But I told him, 'Hey look, your story's far from over.' He's been through this injury before, and the doctors feel really good about the chance for him making a full recovery." With Fant out, the Cowboys are down to five tight ends on the roster – Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Michael Trigg and D.J. Rogers.

Clark's Injury Safety Alijah Clark had to be helped off the field with an apparent ankle/foot injury after landing awkwardly on a deep pass in team drills.

According to sources, Clark had surgery on the same foot back in college and was hesitant to put any weight on it after the collision. But it sounds as if the second-year safety avoided another serious setback and should be able to return to practice, possibly as early as this week.

While Brian Schottenheimer said earlier this summer that Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas and others would be battling for the left tackle job, it appears there has been a clear leader so far. Schotty said on Tuesday that Guyton "will remain starting left tackle right now" and praised him for distancing himself in the race.

However, Guyton was limited in the following practice because of a sore elbow, which gave Thomas the majority of the first-team reps.

Staying healthy is the obvious key for Guyton, who missed seven games last year due to injury. As a first-round pick in 2023, Guyton has yet to live up to those lofty expectations but the coaching staff is hopeful that he takes that "Year 3 Leap" that so many players have done in the past, turning the corner in their third season.

When asked about the competition earlier this offseason and here in the first week of camp, Guyton said he doesn't shy away from it and even admitted "competition will make all of us better."

With the first two days of practice in the rearview and Opening Day of training camp now here, Rashan Gary is one of many players who's champing at the bit to remind everyone he can play at a high level.

The former first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers turned Cowboys' trade acquisition is locked in and ready to show his doubters something special.

"Man, the film speaks for itself," Gary said. "But everybody [should] pay attention this year. It's gonna be a great year. ... I can't wait.  ... Christian Parker's defense, the swagger he brings, it trickles down to the players. The guys I'm around, it's easy to go to work, man. ... It's been great."

Gary was added to the Cowboys during free agency to help Parker's pass rush hit the ground running, and the Pro Bowler looks, and apparently feels, more than ready for the task at-hand.

​Kenny Clark Gets Physical The three-time Pro Bowler defensive tackle was recently voted to the team's leadership council and in large part because he's the consummate pro, one that also readily admits Brian Schottenheimer is making good on his promise for very physical practices.

"I think this is gonna be one of the most physical camps that I've been a part of, just off the talent that we've got on the defensive line, and the offensive line. We are all great competitors, so I think it's gonna be a great battle."

​Booker's Confidence Rising: The NFC East is a difficult division for offensive lines, as defensive tackles like Philadelphia's Jalen Carter are among the best in the league. When asked about facing high-caliber defensive tackles twice a year, Cowboys second year right guard Tyler Booker was quick to remind that he and his teammates on Dallas' offensive line aren't pushovers either. "Yes, we have to play them, but at the end of the day they have to play us as well," Booker said. "We're no scrubs over here either." Booker and his teammates also get the benefit of facing Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark every day in practice, which Booker said has been "really beneficial" for him and his development. – (Tommy Yarrish)

​CeeDee's Top Rating The annual Madden ratings have been released for all players in the NFL for the upcoming EA Sports video game. And it's CeeDee Lamb who has the best overall rating for Cowboys players with a 93 score. Quinnen Williams (92) and Dak Prescott (91) weren't far behind and George Pickens came in fourth at 89. – (Nick Eatman)

​Overshown's Goal for 2026: Cowboys linebacker Demarion Overshown is heading into a contract year, and one where he'll need to stay healthy and prove himself if he wants to get a big pay day. With that comes new responsibilities in Christian Parker's defense, where he's been working as the MIKE linebacker and wearing the green dot, despite most of his past playing at weak side linebacker. Overshown believes that playing MIKE is actually "easier," and thinks his goal for tackles will reflect that. "I'm looking to average like 10 tackles a game just by being at MIKE without doing all the extracurriculars, so I'm excited about that." Overshown said. Brian Schottenheimer and Parker have not named who the starting green dot player will be on defense, but have tested Overshown's ability during a simulated communication malfunction to where Overshown had to set the defense up on his own, which he did correctly. – (Tommy Yarrish)

​Super Excited George Pickens has been as "locked in" as the Cowboys have ever seen him before, according to his head coach Brian Schottenheimer. And when Jerry Jones got asked about the receiver, he said Pickens could be a Cowboy for a long time, regardless if a new contract can't be reached until the end of the year. So what does Pickens think about the praise? "I'm super excited. I'm always super happy when someone thinks highly of me … so shout out to Jerry." – (Nick Eatman)

It was a bit of a scary moment for P.J. Locke in his first-ever Cowboys' training camp practice. The veteran safety was forced out of practice with a possible knee injury that required evaluation from the team's medical staff. On Thursday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Locke suffered a what is described as a minor hyperextension, and that "tests looked great" for the young safety reuniting with Christian Parker. Locke will be held out of practice on Thursday as a precaution, allowing added rest in addition to the fact there is no practice on Friday. – (Patrik Walker)

Overshown Impresses at MIKE

During his Thursday press conference, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that during Wednesday's opening training camp practice, he and Christian Parker planned a scenario where they'd act as if the coach-to-play communication headset were malfunctioning to see how LB DeMarvion Overshown, who was wearing the green dot, would react.

Overshown passed the test, according to his head coach.

"D-Mo got to the exact call that he was supposed to, which is what you expect… D-Mo was outstanding getting us lined up into the call that we wanted to be in." – (Tommy Yarrish)

Great Start for Barham All eyes will be fixed on Caleb Downs to help turn this defense around but not to be overshadowed, it was another rookie defender who caught Schotty's eye on the first day. Linebacker Jaishawn Barham had a "great" practice, according to the head coach. "It was helmets only, but his ability to get off blocks … that's a heavy-handed guy. We love the versatility of him to be on and off the ball." Barham has played both defensive end and linebacker in college but is shifting to full-time linebacker. Sounds like he's off to a good start. – (Nick Eatman)

Schotty Announces Leadership Council

After hinting at it earlier in the offseason, Brian Schottenheimer announced the team's 11-man leadership council on Wednesday.

The offense will be represented by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Jake Ferguson and Javonte Williams. On defense, Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson will lead their unit. Punter Bryan Anger is the lone special teams representative.

"It could have been 15 names," Schottenheimer said. "But I had to cap it somewhere. I felt that these guys were the perfect fit. It's their council, it's not mine. They run it. We've got a few of those guys that report to me every couple of weeks of issues and problems and things we'll try to address. – (Tommy Yarrish)

No-Brainer for Booker

While some of the players Schotty mentioned on the leadership council are to be expected, it could be considered a surprise to see Tyler Booker on there as he enters his second year. Yet, the head coach said it was actually a no-brainer decision. "You can't go into any meeting room that Tyler Booker's in and, if you ask for an opinion, his hand's shooting up and he speaks with conviction," Schottenheimer said. "I can't say enough great things about him. He was one of the few no-brainers. I think every single one of us had him on there, and that says a lot for a guy going into his second year in the NFL. – (Nick Eatman)

New Special Teams Ace?

With longtime Cowboys special teams star CJ Goodwin retiring in late June, Dallas is now searching for their leader on special teams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer threw out three names that could take that spot: Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, fullback/tight end Hunter Luepke and wide receiver Ryan Flournoy.

"They all have those same leadership qualities of CJ, maybe a little different," Schottenheimer said. "Brevyn's kind of in your face, Flo's more direct, and Hunter's kind of a quiet assassin."

Schottenheimer did point out that because of Flournoy's growth on the offensive side of the ball, it's becoming more and more difficult to let him play on special teams.

"Nick [Sorensen] asks me all the time, I'm like, 'Eh, I don't know, he's pretty good,'" Schottenheimer said. "But [Flournoy] wants to do everything. He just plays the game the right way with that violent, physical nature." – (Tommy Yarrish)

Smith, an All-Pro guard, said Monday he had not been told whether he would remain at guard or move back to left tackle, a possibility Schottenheimer mentioned earlier this offseason depending on how the rest of the offensive line develops. "He's going to start at left guard, and we're going to get him some reps at tackle," Schottenheimer said, before explaining the reasoning. "Why? Because we have to be ready. That is no different than Tyler Booker getting some snaps at center. At the end of the day, we are committed to winning and winning now, and we are going to play the five best guys. I am excited to see Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas and Drew Shelton compete at tackle as well." Smith started 17 games at left tackle as a rookie in 2022 before moving to guard, where he has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. He is just the third guard in NFL history to earn three Pro Bowl selections before turning 25. Smith signed a four-year, 98 million dollar extension last year. His 24 million dollar annual salary is the highest among NFL guards and ranks 11th among all offensive linemen.

Copycat League?

Jerry Jones did not hesitate when asked whether he admires the way the Los Angeles Rams have operated in recent years. Their approach produced a Super Bowl title and an aggressive, all-in roster-building philosophy, including this offseason's trade for Myles Garrett. The Rams reached the NFC Championship Game last season and appear to be favorites again.

"Yes," Jones said. "I admire the job the Rams have done and how they have done it." He pointed back to the trade that sent Jared Goff to Detroit for Matthew Stafford, who won NFL MVP last year. "Swapping quarterbacks was gutsy. They have done it and sustained competition. Yes, I admire the way they have put teams together."

The Cowboys will see the Rams twice this year, including a joint practice in Los Angeles on August 11 and a December matchup at SoFi Stadium on December 20.

What Makes Parker Elite? Even before coaching his first game as defensive coordinator, Christian Parker has earned strong support inside the building. Schottenheimer praised Parker's impact Tuesday, noting how quickly players have gravitated toward him. "He is an incredible communicator," Schottenheimer said. "You know he is an elite coach when you walk by his office and multiple players are in there wanting to talk scheme. The way he has organized this camp, from individual periods to tackling circuits, ball disruption drills, install packages, fronts, pressures and coverages, shows he is a first-time coordinator who does not act like one." Schottenheimer added that Parker's preparation should help him bypass many of the typical growing pains for first-year play-callers. "Christian has been preparing for this for years. He has known this is where he wanted to be. He may be the hardest-working coach I have ever been around. That is why we are excited about him and the staff we have put together."

Year Two for Schotty While Parker has drawn plenty of attention, Schottenheimer is not far removed from his own first year as a head coach. Asked how he wants to evolve in year two, he said the answer is longer than a single response but made clear he is focused on meaningful changes. "You learn things every day going through this process," he said. "I am big on not rinsing and repeating. I do not like the first team meeting to feel like last year's first team meeting. Players tune you out. The big thing is I want us to practice physically, and we know how to practice the right way."

Jerry on Pickens Although the deadline passed for the Cowboys and George Pickens to finalize a long-term deal, Jerry Jones remains optimistic, saying Pickens could be a Cowboy for the rest of his career. Pickens will play this season on the one-year franchise tag worth 27.1 million dollars. Jones said the situation may ultimately benefit both sides. "This can be a win-win thing," Jones said. "George could be a Cowboy for the rest of his career. This fit for us and it fit for him. It is not uncommon around the NFL to have tension with players and contracts. We are focused when it is us, but it is not uncommon. It gave us an opportunity."

Excited About CB Room Every cornerback on the roster carries some kind of question mark, but Schottenheimer remains excited about the group. "From top to bottom, Daron Bland did a great job coming back," he said. "He feels great. Shavon Revel is finally feeling great and had a strong offseason. Cobie Durant was an excellent pickup. Darion Kendrick will make it a fun battle to watch." Schottenheimer emphasized how facing CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in practice will accelerate the corners' development, especially with receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Nico Collins and Zay Flowers on the schedule. "They are going to face some of the most elite receivers in the league, which is important."