Cowboys news: Video shows DeMarcus Lawrence’s shoulder appears to be holding up just fine

DeMarcus Lawrence impressive in post-surgery conditioning video - Patrik Walker, 247 Sports

Guess who’s all hanging out in the sand together having a grand ole time?

Several members of the touted defensive line, also known collectively as the “Hot Boys”, are also going hard to close out the month of June. That includes All-Pro pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who looks impressive as he works to return from surgery in early May to repair a torn labrum suffered in 2018. Lawrence went under the knife only days after signing his five-year, $105 million contract extension, and made it clear he’d be ready for Week 1 against the New York Giants.

“I can’t put a timetable on how long it’s going to take me to recover from the surgery, but I should be back before the beginning of the season,” he said just ahead of the procedure, via The Rich Eisen Show. “...The only thing that can be an issue is if I try to rush it, and I hurt it again. There’s no need to rush it. I’ll just keep working on my fundamentals and try to become the best football player I can [be], and I’ll be okay.”

And judging by this video, he appears to be recovering just fine.

A family that attacks together, sacks together.

Cowboys WR Amari Cooper explains why his change of scenery from Oakland to Dallas was ‘necessary’ - Staff, SportsDay

Amari Cooper joined NBC Sports Pro Football Talk and was asked about his first season in Dallas compared to his old team on the west coast.

On why a change of scenery from Oakland to Dallas was necessary Cooper:

“Yeah. Whatever the circumstances may be, there are certain reasons why one place might not work for a guy and another place will. I think the change of scenery was really necessary. I really, honestly, don’t think if I would’ve stayed with the Raiders last season that I would’ve been able to flourish and reach some heights that I was able to reach as a Cowboy. It was definitely necessary.

Randall Cobb: ‘There was never an offer’ from Green Bay Packers - Brian Jones, 247 Sports

Speaking of change of scenery, the Packers apparently had no intention of retaining the veteran receiver, which is just fine by us.

“I don’t know how much conversation was between my agent and the Packers organization, but there was never an offer put on the table before or after the offer from Dallas and a couple of other teams,” Cobb said who was drafted by the Packers in the second round in 2011. “It kind of made my decision a lot easier. I think if the Packers would have made an offer, obviously I would have to weigh those decisions. But I’m very excited and very happy to be down in Dallas. I think it’s a great situation and I look forward to this season.”

The good news for Cobb is he can prove the Packers made the wrong decision by letting him walk when Green Bay goes up against the Cowboys on Oct. 6. And based on what happened this offseason, Cobb is motivated to show the Packers he’s still got it.

3 Dallas Cowboys who are set to make the Year 2 leap - Steven Mullenax, The Landry Hat

Which player makes a big jump as they enter their sophomore year in the league?

Michael Gallup, WR

Since Michael Gallup was drafted last year, the Cowboys’ passing game has changed drastically. Gone are receivers like Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, and Deonte Thompson. Enter in Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb and the return of tight end Jason Witten. Despite all the changes, Gallup still has the potential to make a significant leap in his development as the Cowboys No. 2 receiver.

Gallup had his best performance in his last game. The third-rounder recorded six catches for 119 yards in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Gallup really started to come into his own towards the end of last year. In fact, 15 of his 33 receptions came in the team’s final five regular season games.

Rank’Em: 10 Best CBs To Face Cooper in 2019 - Bryan Broaddus, Dallas Cowboys

Broaddus breaks down the top cornerbacks Amari Cooper will have to face this season.

1. Kyle Fuller

Smooth, easy pedal. Outstanding quickness out of his transition. Can really close on the ball when he sees it. Every pass is a contested one. Hard guy to separate from. Has a feel for how to carry the inside routes. Will deliver a blow when tackling. Not afraid to stick his nose in the action. Has a physical side to him.

The Cowboys have some tough corners on the schedule, but their receiving group is much better this season. While they may have struggled early last year, this could be a breakout season for them.

Jaire Alexander among defensive backs ready to break out in ‘19 - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

While we’re on the subject of breakouts, NFL Media senior analyst and former Cowboys scout Gil Brandt identifies young defensive backs primed for a breakout and guess who makes the list?

8) Xavier Woods, S, Dallas Cowboys

Drafted: Round 6, No. 191 overall, in 2017.

Though safety was considered the biggest weakness on the Cowboys’ roster entering this offseason, Dallas did not go all out to land a big-money player like Earl Thomas. I expect Woods to justify that strategy by taking a big step forward in 2019. Secondary coach Kris Richard expects him to generate more turnovers (he had two picks last season) while remaining physical in coverage with receivers and tight ends, and it’s safe to say Richard knows what he’s talking about, given the success he had grooming Thomas and Kam Chancellor in Seattle. Woods will be a key contributor this season to a defense that ranked seventh overall and sixth in scoring in 2018.

Mailbag: Managing Elliott During Preseason? - Staff, Dallas Cowboys

David Helman and Rob Phillips over at The Mothership takes a moment to answer questions, including how much they’d be willing to expose some of the team’s precious commodities come preseason.

Would I be wrong to say the Cowboys will be fine if Zeke doesn’t get more than four carries in preseason? Also, I would rest Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and barely see Travis Frederick, Sean Lee, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Do we need to risk these players who can get work in practice and be ready for the season? - DOUG HUMPHRIES / ORANGE, TX

David: You’re preaching to the choir, Doug. If you’re an experienced All-Pro player, I don’t want to see you in the preseason. Zeke, D-Law, Sean Lee — take a seat until September, please. I will make an exception for the offensive line for two reasons. Firstly, Travis Frederick needs game reps to help make up for a lost season. On top of that, Dak Prescott needs reps, and I don’t love the idea of sending him out there without his first-team O-Line. For the most part, though, I agree with you 100 percent.

Rob: If memory serves, Elliott didn’t get a single carry in four preseason games last year. He and Dak Prescott sat out the traditional ‘dress rehearsal’ game because multiple offensive linemen were unable to play. This year, I think you’d like offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to get some calls in with the starters. But if the offense has a few key injuries, history shows the Cowboys will rest others, too. It’s highly unlikely you’ll see DeMarcus Lawrence on the field before the regular season, by the way. Still recovering from shoulder surgery.

Are We Underestimating The Giants, Redskins Ahead of 2019 Season? - Mauricio Rodriguez, Inside The Star

Nobody is thinking much about the Cowboys division rivals outside of the Philadelphia Eagles. Is that a mistake?

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are far from having the talent the Cowboys and Eagles have, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they become some sort of headache in the upcoming season. Of course, they’ll have to heavily rely on Haskins having a very strong rookie year.

New York Giants

Just like the Redskins, the Giants are not close to being the team Dallas and Philadelphia have. But it’s worth keeping in mind that their offensive line has improved and that will lead to an even better year from Barkley. Defeating the Giants may not come as easy as some may think.

Expect this undrafted free agent to make the team - Dink Kearney, Fansided

Make sure you get your bids in on what UDFA sleeper moves up the depth chart and makes his way onto the final roster.

After every draft, Dallas signs several undrafted free agents. Immediately after this year’s draft, Dallas signed undrafted defensive back Chris Westry out the University of Kentucky. Westry may not be a popular name but this unknown rookie has a good chance of making the 53-man roster. I know you’re wondering what’s so special about Westry considering he was not drafted. But hey, former slot receiver Cole Beasley wasn’t drafted either and he turned out to a really good receiver.

What makes Westry unique is his physical traits. Westry stands 6’4″, has really long arms (33 3/4″ arms) and has been timed running a 4.31 40-yard dash. That’s a fast man! Also, Westry fits defensive backs coach Kris Richard‘s type of player-tall, strong, with extremely long arms.