:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61012701/usa_today_11057006.0.jpg)
The Cowboys were back out on the practice fields today for a second consecutive padded practice at The Star.
Cowboys are fully padded today, for a second-straight day. Kind of surprising, with a game on Sunday.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
What a sweet painting of the “214 connection”!
Cool painting of Dak and Zeke at today’s practice pic.twitter.com/QR5D3VQjKA
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
Ezekiel Elliott given a little love to his legion of fans:
2️⃣1️⃣ is a popular number. @EzekielElliott | #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/9wKOZrSZtJ
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 24, 2018
Just like we always do, here’s the long list of Cowboys that weren’t expected to do anything:
Cowboys OL not practicing today: C Travis Frederick (Guillain-Barré syndrome), LT Tyron Smith (hamstring) and RT La'el Collins (ankle/calf/sick). RG Zack Martin (knee) is in uniform and pads for practice but not expected to do much.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 24, 2018
Travis Frederick’s backup Joe Looney was taking some time out of his day to visit with the fans:
Nothing like a Joe Looney autograph pic.twitter.com/eJvARCN72i
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
Keep in mind that now is the time for extra precaution, the Cowboys aren’t going to press anyone to practice.
Zack Martin (knee) will do individuals, La'el Collins (ankle, sick) and Tyron Smith (hamstring) will miss practice today.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 24, 2018
The Cowboys held out LT Tyron Smith on Thursday because he had a sore hamstring. And RT La'el Collins has a sore ankle and calf and is sick, so he's not expected to do much in practice today either. So, don't look for Dak Prescott on Sunday vs. Arizona.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 24, 2018
It’s a good sign that Zack Martin is taking part in individuals but Travis Frederick also is on the mend:
Good news. https://t.co/FF4rHZ3TOC
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 24, 2018
Sounds like Travis Frederick is out of the hospital, could come around Cowboys facility soon. Good news for the center battling Guillain-Barre
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
So, for the second straight day, the starting offensive line was:
Cowboys are in pads for the second consecutive day. First-team offensive line protecting Dak Prescott:
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
LT - Cameron Fleming
LG - Connor Williams
C - Joe Looney
RG - Kadeem Edwards
RT - Chaz Green
How about that starting defense for your Dallas Cowboys:
First-team defense today:
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
LDE-DeMarcus Lawrence, DT-Antwaun Woods, DT-Tyrone Crawford, RDE-Randy Gregory
WLB-Joe Thomas, MLB-Jaylon Smith,
CB-Anthony Brown, CB-Byron Jones, CB-Chidobe Awuzie, S-Tyree Robinson, S-Kavon Frazier
Cowboys starting safeties in practice today are Kavon Frazier and undrafted rookie Tyree Robinson. Jeff Heath isn't practicing today.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 24, 2018
One guy who looks to be getting some playing time this Sunday against the Cardinals, WR Deonte Thompson:
Deonte Thompson doing some 11v11 here with the first-team offense. Makes me wonder if he could get some time on Sunday? #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
The Cowboys were also putting Deonte Thompson out for kick return opportunities:
Today’s kickoff returners: Jourdan Lewis, Deonte Thompson, Trey Williams, Tavon Austin, Duke Thomas, Darius Jackson
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
We’re also likely to see a lot more of LB Joe Thomas, as the Cowboys probably won’t risk Sean Lee:
Joe Thomas working with the first team defense in Sean Lee's spot. Tyree Robinson is filling in for Jeff Heath. Might not see either starter Sunday against Arizona. https://t.co/pGm3ZZUWQk
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 24, 2018
Alright, let’s get it started with a nice touchdown grab from Rico Gathers, who’s most certainly going to play this Sunday.
Rico in the red zone. Skied up over Charvarius Ward on a back shoulder ball and tipped the pass to himself for a touchdown #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
8️⃣0️⃣ @kinggatz2 | #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/ggi7hf561K
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 24, 2018
It didn’t take long for that starting offensive line to have some trouble with the Cowboys pass rushers:
DeMarcus Lawrence getting past OL very quickly to find Dak Prescott in team drills
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
Of course, it was a rough day at the office for Chaz Green, actually, it’s been nothing but rough days since the Atlanta Falcons game last year:
Chaz Green is having all sorts of problems blocking Mr. Lawrence today.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 24, 2018
DeMarcus Lawrence with another sack during team period today.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 24, 2018
Ezekiel Elliott is going to put the ball in the end zone, it’s just a fact:
Ezekiel Elliott continues to finish runs by running to the end zone. Just ran about 70 yards. DeMarcus Lawrence chased him for the last 50. Didn't catch him but was impressive how close he stayed
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
Two catalysts on their respective units, keeping things lighthearted:
Zeke and D-Law having some fun at practice after DeMarcus Lawrence chased Ezekiel Elliott the length of the field. Elliott makes his famous "Feed Me" motion.
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) August 24, 2018
Tank Lawrence throwing shade at Madden:
DeMarcus Lawrence: "I was just testing my speed, seeing if @EAMaddenNFL had my speed rating up right. That's it."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
What did you think?
"They're wrong. I'm fast as [expletive]. ... I respect Zeke's speed. I know not to do it again because now my legs are dead." https://t.co/96xp67Qv8m
Lawrence also answered a few questions about the state of the defensive line, which looks to be rock solid as of late:
DeMarcus Lawrence: "This is my job. I'm passionate about it. I love it. So, yeah, I'm eager to get back out there and show the world what I learned over the offseason, different moves that I've picked up on."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
DeMarcus Lawrence excited about Crawford sliding to DT with Randy Gregory at RDE: "Tyrone’s a beast inside. I really like him more inside like that because it’s more of a threat. When him, David Irving, Maliek Collins is on my side, it gives me more protection."
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
A leader never shies away from getting tough on his men:
DeMarcus Lawrence asked about the ceiling for him and Randy Gregory rushing the passer from opposite ends: "He better get there faster. Tell him that."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
Bu he’ll throw in some complimentary things too:
DeMarcus Lawrence spoke highly of Cowboys DE Taco Charlton's development. Said Taco got "bigger, faster, stronger" this offseason
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
The defense continues to stand strong in goal line drills:
Cowboys worked on goal line offense from the 3, each unit got one chance to score. Prescott was incomplete on jump ball to Gallup, Cooper Rush found Deonte Thompson for a TD on a quick slant, beat Jourdan Lewis and Charles Tapper knocked down Mike White's pass on the rush.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 24, 2018
Just like it should be, all receivers that can practice will be getting work:
Cowboys wide receivers getting first-team work today:
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup, Terrance Williams, Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, Lance Lenoir
It was tough on Dak Prescott with limited time but this one was just an ill-fated throw:
Yikes, Dakota. Looked for Ricky Jeune on a corner route, but he had two DBs underneath him and one over the top. An easy interception for Anthony Brown #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
Anthony Brown with the interception of Dak Prescott just now
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 24, 2018
Despite some struggles on offense, Mike White chose today to be good. It’s about time as he will be playing a lot over the next two preseason games.
Mike White has made some really pretty throws today. Just had a really nice completion to newly-signed WR Dres Anderson on a deep ball. Anderson made a fantastic dive to come down with the catch #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
Because it’s our favorite thing to do, it’s Michael Gallup time. He’s been outstanding and gets better every single day:
.@dak throws long to @michael13gallup for the TD! #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/ceqFdCWxfb
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 24, 2018
Michael Gallup is such a damn stud. Another fantastic grab in team reps, fighting off Chido Awuzie and Tyree Robinson on a stumbling, 40-yard touchdown from Dak Prescott #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2018
Michael Gallup just caught a TD reception on a deep ball from Dak Prescott. Gallup beat Chidobe Awuzie for the score. I think Mr. Gallup is going to be ok.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 24, 2018
Of course, Dak Prescott has been working extremely hard on the deep ball, Michael Gallup is “always open”.
Dak Prescott with his best deep ball since the team returned to camp practices at The Star. Hit Michael Gallup (Awuzie in coverage) in stride for 40-yard TD along right sideline in team drills
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
How can this be true? The internet keeps telling me Dak can't throw deep.
— One Cool Customer (@OCC44) August 24, 2018
Michael Gallup is clearly Dak Prescott's #️⃣1️⃣ receiver
— Yahoo Sports NFL (@YahooSportsNFL) August 23, 2018
Over/under: Gallup makes #Cowboys fans forget about Dez Bryant before the midway point of the season
: @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/Rd9LKMn9TG
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones praising rookie WR Michael Gallup on @1053thefan: "I think he's going to start off opening day, I think he'll be part of our plan. He's really a lot better player than when he got here."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2018
That was about it for today’s practice but once again Michael Gallup is earning that star. The Cowboys will make their final preparations for Sunday’s preseason game with the Cardinals.