OXNARD, Calif. — Here are some of the top storylines from Wednesday's practice here in Oxnard:
*Blue Runnin' First: For the first time on Wednesday, rookie running back Jaydon Blue took first team reps with the offense alongside Dak Prescott. For the most part, Blue was running with the second team, but made the jump today and had a couple carries up the middle. Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams were also still taking first team reps, but clearly Blue has done enough for this coaching staff to give him his first shot. - (Tommy Yarrish)*
Holden Call: Go ahead and count Traeshon Holden in as one who clearly wants to leave a mark on the wide receiver competition — one of the hottest position battles in this year's camp. The rookie out of Oregon caught not one, but two touchdowns on Wednesday, and one of them was an acrobatic one-handed grab in the end zone over the defender that sent the crowd into various "oohs" and "ahhs." - (Patrik Walker)
Who's Left?: With Tyler Guyton missing some time now at left tackle, the job is up for grabs for the rest of the preseason and maybe into the regular season. Even if Guyton comes back. earlier than expected (4-6 weeks), he will need some practice reps to get back up to speed. During Wednesday's practice, Nate Thomas got some work on the left side, as did Asim Richards and Hakeem Adeniji is another name who could factor into the equation. - (Nick Eatman)
Who Nose?: As the Cowboys work to determine how they'll use Mazi Smith this season, it's been Perrion Winfrey getting a solid bit of nose tackle work when Smith is being spelled and/or when Matt Eberflus wants to mix things up. On Wednesday, however, it was rookie defensive tackle Jay Toia getting a solid look with the first-team defense, and it was all the offensive line could do to keep his massive frame from bull rushing his way into the backfield. - (Patrik Walker)
Presence Felt: Second year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland is continuing to have a strong camp, as he flashed during the team's first team drill in the redzone with batting down a pass while shaking off a blocker, and then getting in the backfield for a sack a few plays later. The good thing for the Cowboys defense is that multiple defensive ends have flashed great reps at different times, with their overall room being a big strength. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Lamb and Pickens: Redzone work included two back-to-back touchdown receptions from the new one-two punch in the Cowboys receiving corps, Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens. Both touchdowns were fades to the back-left corner of the endzone from Dak Prescott. Each with beautiful touch and over the top of starting defensive backs. Just a taste of what is possible when both Pickens and Lamb are utilized close to the goal line. - **(Kyle Youmans)
Blue Wave:For the first time in training camp, rookie running back Jaydon Blue received significant playing time with the first team offense. Blue has received praise from the coaching staff on his mindset in his first camp. He's earned the reps and took advantage of the opportunity.- (Kyle Youmans)**
