OXNARD, Calif. - The preseason is finally here. After three weeks of training camp, we're going to finally see what these guys have in a game setting. Here are a couple of players - by each staff writer - worth watching when the Cowboys take on the Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium.
Joe Milton: After missing a majority of the team's joint practice on Tuesday after injuring his hand, Milton now gets another shot against Los Angeles' defense. When he was in the practice, he had the play of the day for Dallas' offense on a deep touchdown to Jalen Brooks, a play that Brian Schottenheimer admitted was one he wasn't supposed to show on tape. The offensive gameplan will likely still be fairly vanilla, but the vanilla aspects of the offense are areas that Milton needs improvement in. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Shemar James: With a lot of new faces in the Cowboys' linebacker room, it's imperative that they get as many reps next to each other as possible. That's what Matt Eberflus and Dave Borgonzi have been doing in Oxnard so far, and part of that is playing rookie Shemar James with the first team here and there. The Cowboys love the physical traits, speed and instincts that James possesses, and Saturday serves as a big opportunity for him to prove himself in a game setting. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Traeshon Holden: One position that needs no introduction for the Cowboys this season is at wide receiver, and that's because there's a bottleneck of talent. Traeshon Holden has been a highlight reel in camp and the undrafted rookie out of Oregon should be an exciting watch against the Rams, seeing as he'll need to make every single target count, and then some. His goal is simple: prove he's not just a camp superstar. - (Patrik Walker)
Donovan Ezeiruaku: So far in his first-ever NFL training camp, Donovan Ezeiruaku is as advertised, and more. It's impossible to not find yourself wide-eyed at his ability and technical prowess in Oxnard, but it's time for the rubber to start meeting the road. The rookie second-round pick said he "can't wait" for the QB halo present in camp to melt away against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, and that makes two of us, because I want to see if he can eat hearty. - (Patrik Walker)
Phil Mafah: The Cowboys are running out of running backs. So Mafah is going to get plenty of carries anyway, but I've been saying all along that I think Mafah could actually lead the entire NFL in rushing during the preseason. And that was with Jaydon Blue supposedly getting preseason touches. But now, Mafah might actually get the bulk of the carries on Saturday. I think his power and toughness will be on display and because the O-line should have some experienced backups playing most of the game, I'm predicting them to run the ball well for most of the game. Big moment here for Mafah. - (Nick Eatman)
Jay Toia: Just like the Cowboys need to run the ball, they're going to have to stop the run, too. And that's where we need to Jay Toia step up and help anchor the run defense. Toia seems to be called upon more than your average seventh-round pick. And with Mazi Smith yet to take that next step, the door is wide open at defensive tackle. The Cowboys didn't stop the run well in a practice against the Rams on Tuesday, but that's just practice. Games are different and let's find out if Toia can help. - (Nick Eatman)
Jonathan Mingo: It's hard to find a fringe-starter with more to prove at his position than Mingo this preseason. The Cowboys front office invested a fourth-round pick to acquire Mingo last season, only to see 17 receptions for 167 yards in his debut season with Dallas. He has been impressive through the early practices of training camp, but if he continues that momentum in the games? He could be looking at a bigger role in the passing attack this season. - (Kyle Youmans)
Zion Childress: There is still so much undecided at the nickel position entering the preseason that multiple players have a legitimate shot at making the final 53-man roster to start the year. That list includes Zion Childress. Who, despite starting training camp at the bottom of the depth chart, became one of the first undrafted free agents to earn snaps with the starting defense. He'll have a tough task, covering some of the speedsters from the Rams receiving corps, so his performance will be front and center for everyone to see. - (Kyle Youmans)
