OXNARD, Calif. — Sunday marked the first padded practice for the Cowboys in their 2025 training camp trip to Oxnard, as Brian Schottenheimer and his staff got to see their players get a bit more physical during team and individual drills.
It wasn't full fledged tackling, instead "thud" defense, where the defensive players would wrap up the offensive players in a certain area of their torso to simulate the contact of a tackle without following through.
Here's some of the notable moments from Sunday's practice:
Helped Off: The Cowboys were without a few prominent players for Sunday's practice, including tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, who missed most of practice with an ankle injury. Spann-Ford had to be helped off the field and then into the locker room. The Cowboys are hoping it's not a high-ankle sprain, which could keep him out multiple weeks. - (Nick Eatman)
Wasting No Time: On the first play during team periods, Marist Liufau knocked a ball free from the grasp of John Stephens Jr. for yet another turnover for the defensive side of the ball. After that, Liufau found his way into a few rushing lanes and disrupted run plays, continuing a strong trend of the Cowboys linebackers playing the run well in Oxnard during the first week. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Be My Boy, Blue: After making the play off the day on Saturday with a diving one handed catch, Jaydon Blue had another strong showing in his first padded practice as an NFL player. Working mostly with the second team still, Blue did exactly what Brian Schottenheimer wanted to see from his running backs: Find the gap, hit it, and run away from everyone. Schottenheimer was complimentary of Blue's speed, and it was on full display alongside his ability to cut on a dime. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Phone Booth: It was the best day of the entire camp thus far for Andrew Booth. The young cornerback put on a bit of a show with a big day that included a PBU against George Pickens followed by one on a go route deep downfield versus Jalen Tolbert -- letting Dak Prescott the offense hear about it each time. - (Patrik Walker)
Can You Digg It? Trevon Diggs isn't medically cleared to return from the PUP list but he sure looks close to achieving that goal. Ahead of practice, he was seen running defensive routes and also elevating to catch throws at the end of each rep. It feels as if he'll return much sooner than later. - (Patrik Walker)
Sidelined: Other players who missed practice included safety Juanyeh Thomas (foot/ankle) and running back Deuce Vaughn (hamstring). Terence Steele continues to miss action with an ankle injury. - (Nick Eatman)
