GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys have wrapped up the Oxnard-portion of training camp and have arrived in warmer Arizona for the second preseason game.
Thankfully, the Cowboys and Cardinals will square off inside State Farm Stadium for Saturday night's game, the final stop before the team heads back to Dallas.
But before they return home, let's focus on the Cowboys roster and a few intriguing players, who are expected to play Saturday night. Here are some of our staff writer's players to keep an eye on for Preseason game No. 2.
Jaishawn Barham: After dealing with a groin injury, Cowboys rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham returned to the practice field this week and should make his preseason debut against Arizona. Earlier in training camp, there was plenty of praise being thrown around for Barham from the likes of Stephen Jones, Brian Schottenheimer and Jerry Jones, who called him a "war daddy." The Cowboys have played Barham at inside linebacker, but have also moved him up to the edge to rush the passer a few times in practice. How much he will play is to be determined, but it'll be the first chance Dallas gets to see his versatility in a game setting. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Joe Milton: One would assume Milton would get the start for this game after splitting the game last week with Sam Howell. Milton was strong in the second half against Seattle and should be able to play from the jump against the Cardinals. I know he was criticized for doing this too much last year, but honestly, I want to see him take off and run a little more in this game. Sure, you want to see his passing development but what makes his game unique is his ability to run out of the pocket and his long strides make him a walking first down. I think it helps him get into the flow of the game and so if he starts, I want to see Milton do ... Milton things. - (Nick Eatman)
Nate Thomas: Brian Schottenheimer said earlier in the week that the Cowboys would be moving some players around ahead of their second preseason game. That was true for Nate Thomas, who had primarily been the second team left tackle but spent most of the week as the second team right tackle. On the other side, rookie Drew Shelton took snaps as the second team left tackle. For Thomas, this game against the Cardinals serves as an opportunity to show that he could be Dallas' swing tackle, a vital role on this roster. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Luke Schoonmaker: These reps are critical for the former second-round pick. It's beginning to appear as if Brevyn Spann-Ford might have surpassed him on the depth chart, and undrafted rookie Michael Trigg made some waves in his preseason debut vs. the Seahawks. With Trigg questionable vs. the Cardinals due to injury, it's paramount that Schoonmaker have a dynamic game as he prepares to enter his contract year. - (Patrik Walker)
Jonathan Mingo: The battle at WR behind the top three spots is hot-and-heavy. KaVontae Turpin will make this roster, period. Camden Brown, the electric rookie plucked from the UDFA ranks, is having an exceptional camp and an eye-opening debut last weekend. Mingo hasn't been quiet though, by any means, and I'm interested to see if his effort plays can combine with some highlights to put the heat back onto Brown, rookie Anthony Smith and others. - (Patrik Walker)
Julius Wood: If you've caught Darren Woodson's attention, then you're doing something right. The Ring of Honor safety told me that Wood "popped off the film" against Seattle so you know he's going to be watching Wood at the safety position against the Cardinals. If "Woody" is gonna watch him I think I will, too. But honestly, Wood has caught my eye all training camp for his ability to get to the ball and make an impact. There's a chance he can make this team but he also needs a strong special teams outing. - (Nick Eatman)
