OXNARD, Calif. - Despite the recent news of Micah's trade request on Friday, and Jerry Jones speaking to the media in response, the Cowboys indeed held a spirited practice on Saturday.
Here are some of the observations by the staff writers:
CeeDee Player: A lot of rightful hubbub has been circulating about George Pickens' ability to make plays in training camp, but it's also true that CeeDee Lamb looks in prime form already. He stole the day on several occasions on Saturday, his big play ability on full display and that includes one of the craziest catches downfield, with coverage all over him, as the ball was batted but Lamb was able to lay out and secure it before it hit the ground. Wow. - (Patrik Walker)
Micah's arm: All eyes were on Micah Parsons on Saturday, just one day after his trade request. But he was not only the field as he's been all of camp, but he found himself around the quarterbacks during a passing drill that requires pinpoint accuracy. Parsons let Dak Prescott, Joe Milton and Will Grier get their throws in, but he certainly had to show off his arm. The zip on the ball looked more like a pass-rusher, but his accuracy wasn't bad. More than anything, it showed a loose side of Parsons, whose demeanor didn't seem to change despite the recent events from Friday. - (Nick Eatman)
Lay of the 'Land: Marshawn Kneeland won't be denied in his second NFL training camp. In a defensive ends' room loaded with talent, the former second-round pick and second-year edge rusher is making his presence felt, and against the first team with Dak Prescott under center. Kneeland had what would've been a sack on at least two occasions on Saturday, and let the offense know about it each time. - (Patrik Walker)
Tough Thomas: Saturday may have been the best training camp yet for veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, who is preparing to play his first season with the Cowboys and had what would've been two sacks on the day. After his second sack, Thomas was fired up and celebrated in the backfield with his defensive teammates. Overall, the defensive line and defense as a whole responded on Saturday after the offense got the better of them in the team's last practice on Thursday. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Smith Absent: Even though Brian Schottenheimer said earlier in the day that he expected Tyler Smith to be at practice on Saturday, the Pro Bowl guard was not present. He left Thursday's practice early with knee soreness and did not return. The injury is not expected to be serious. In his place, Brock Hoffman took a majority of the first team reps at left guard. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Mafah Watch: The Cowboys have plenty of options in the mix for the running back spot, but rookie Phil Mafah is at least in the running. While the seventh-round likely won't get the first-team reps, he's getting his share of runs in practice and he's making the most of them. The power back has shown off some speed and quickness and he looks to have a bigger role in the preseason games, along with rookie Jaydon Blue. Mafah had a couple of downfield runs on Saturday that had defenders chasing after him. - (Nick Eatman)
