The Cowboys are set to wrap up the 2025 preseason with the Atlanta Falcons coming to town for Friday's matchup at AT&T Stadium.
Here some of the key players to watch, according to the staff writers of DallasCowboys.com.
Ryan Flournoy: It might've been a breakout game for Flournoy against the Rams if Joe Milton delivered a better outing, but there's no denying the film, and especially since Flournoy demonstrated the same green flags against the Ravens: good routes, an ability to separate and great hands. With Jonathan Mingo sidelined for while, and Traeshon Holden trying to claw at a roster spot, Flournoy stands to gain plenty by putting distance between him and a couple others on the wide receiver's depth chart when he combats the Falcons on Friday. (-Patrik Walker)
Jay Toia: The defensive tackle play this preseason has left much to be desired. This is where rookie seventh-round pick Jay Toia could make a very real impact, but it has to begin sooner than later. With only one preseason game remaining, and 75 preseason snaps under his belt, Toia has but one tackle. To be fair, nose tackles aren't only gauged by that number — his ability to eat up double teams to free up edge rushers is, no pun intended, a big deal — but more of an impact needs to be had overall, particularly in run defense. The ability is there, and hopefully it flashes against Atlanta. (-Patrik Walker)
Jaydon Blue: At long last, it appears that rookie fifth round pick Jaydon Blue will make his debut after dealing with an ankle injury the last two weeks. Blue, who played three years at Texas, was turning heads in Oxnard with his quick burst out of the backfield and in the passing game. Blue ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and the Cowboys staff is excited about how his speed can change games for them when he gets out in space. He's also a threat in the passing game, where he scored six receiving touchdowns for the Longhorns last season. Friday should be his first opportunity to show just how much he can do in the offense. (-Tommy Yarrish)
Andrew Booth: With two weeks separating the final preseason game and the regular season opener, cornerback remains a question for the Cowboys. One of their answers may be Andrew Booth, who has gotten a lot of reps on the outside in training camp and the preseason with the first team defense. Last week, Booth got a huge confidence booster by bringing back an interception on Cooper Rush for a touchdown but was still heavily targeted to the point where he led the team with eight tackles. Can he do enough to earn a starting outside spot against Philadelphia? Friday is his proving ground. (-Tommy Yarrish)
John Stephens - Timing has never been on Stephens' side since he's been here with the Cowboys as the tight end seems to get hurt at the worst moments, right before he's either about to make the team or play in his first game. So here is Stephens, healthy again and finding himself in a spot Friday night where he could get the majority of the tight end snaps, with the top three players - Ferguson, Schoonmaker, Spann-Ford all expected to sit out. Stephens should have a chance to get a ton of snaps. Depending on how he plays, maybe the Cowboys can find a way to keep him on the 53-man roster, which won't be easy considering Hunter Luepke can also serve as an emergency tight end. But this could be for a spot on the practice squad but don't forget how much the Cowboys also like Rivaldo Fairweather and Tyler Neville. Needless to say, this could be a "position to watch" from top to bottom on Friday. (- Nick Eatman)
Mazi Smith - This one is coming down to the wire at defensive tackle. Not sure if Mazi even plays - if he doesn't that's probably a good thing for him. Then again, you wouldn't expect a first-round pick from 2023 to play the final preseason game but that's where we are. Some people think Mazi will not make it to the 53-man roster, but I just have a hard time thinking the Cowboys will cut ties with him. That doesn't mean he has to start but I feel like the Cowboys aren't ready to completely cut ties with him. Obviously, he isn't close to meeting expectations for a first-round pick but considering the circumstances that he's been in three different systems and three different D-line coaches, it just hasn't been the best situation for him. Yes, I understand there are about 12 other guys on this defense in the same boat but every case is different. In Mazi's case, I think the Cowboys still hang on to him but I'll be interested to see if he plays, and then how he plays Friday night. (- Nick Eatman)
