Yahoo Sports Senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson is on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Dallas Cowboys.
About the QB
I raised an eyebrow when Dak Prescott took a long break on Thursday and then said, “I’m going to say it. I want to be here, but if you’re watching [it] up, all the other quarterbacks I saw play for other teams [than their first]… That’s not something to be afraid of.” Prescott paused, because he knew he was revealing something. I think he’s revealing that he’s already mentally gone through the steps of leaving Dallas.
Rookie to watch
Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton didn’t start on the first day of practice, but that won’t last long. He’ll be a starter before it’s over. Saying “look at the rookie in the first round” isn’t revealing, but if Guyton isn’t ready to guard Prescott in September, Dallas will have a problem.
I keep my eye on
Trey Lance, if only because there is still interest in him around the league and he is getting a good chance in the preseason games. I don’t get the sense that the Cowboys see him as a potential replacement for Dak Prescott. It could be that Lance is forced into the lineup due to an injury to change that.
Fantasy thought
If you have to take a Cowboys running back, godspeed. Right now, Ezekiel Elliott is probably going to be the player in the rotation who gets the most snaps, especially given his blocking ability. But Dallas’ offensive line is worse…not better.
What I saw was interesting
Team owner Jerry Jones opened his press conference by answering a question about a paternity suit and it was … wild. Cowboys fans are used to this sort of thing by now, and let’s face it: Many owners have their share of dirty laundry. But you rarely, if ever, see them stand up on a podium and talk about it like this, and then talk about football. Cowboys, baby.
Wildcard
It would be a big plus for Dallas if 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith could turn out well. He appears to have a long way to go as he continues to get into shape and recover from offseason shoulder surgery. He looked tough in practice and his conditioning caused him to be left behind at the end of a few plays. He’s still a needed presence on defense, and the Cowboys aren’t about to give up a first-round pick after one bad season.
