Cowboys Practice #11: Offense finding it harder and harder to move the ball

The Cowboys took part in their final practice before their preseason game with the 49ers. Let’s look at the summary of the Cowboys 11th practice.

Who had the day off?

It’s still nowhere near time to start panicking about guys that aren’t practicing, the Cowboys aren’t going to rush anyone back at this point. Some veterans may get a chance to knock the rust off against the 49ers, don’t expect much in the first preseason game. Guys should take their time getting ready for the first game of the season, leave the preseason reps to down roster players fighting for a spot.

Who made their return to practice?

With Zack Martin getting some rest, Xavier Su’a-Filo was back in at right guard though he was dinged up last week. Su’a-Filo has struggled with the Cowboys pass rushers during training camp and needs to find a way to rebound. For every guy that struggles another one can rise up and jump into the conversation.

Watch out for Adam Redmond:

OT Brandon Knight carted off

The Cowboys did suffer one possibly significant injury this morning with Brandon Knight getting carted off. The Cowboys added several UDFA tackle prospects and Brandon Knight is one of the more athletic additions to the roster. Check back for any updates regarding the undrafted rookie.

The more you can do! Is there a new “Jameill”?

The Cowboys brought in a backup quarterback several years ago in Jameill Showers, not only did he play quarterback but he ended up adding reps on special teams and at defensive back. The Cowboys brought in Taryn Christion this off season and what do you know? The more you can do, the better your chances become:

Cowboys working close to their own end zone, defense showing no give

The Cowboys offense were practicing on situations with the ball, pinned deep near their end zone. The Cowboys get a nice run here but not much else.

Jaylon Smith was sniffing out everything the Cowboys offense was dishing out, continuing to show dominance in these practices.

Tavon Austin is having quite the camp

The crowded room at receiver is going to make it hard for many young guys to carve out a role. The veteran Tavon Austin has looked so good during the early portion of training camp that he’s not likely to lose his spot to anyone. With Randall Cobb getting the morning off, Tavon Austin was right where he needed to be for his quarterback.

Brett Maher: Worried or Nah?

The first-team offense was finding it hard to move the ball on this defense and had to settle for a 28-yard field goal.

On the next run of plays, the Cowboys offense was stopped again but Brett Maher nails the 40-yarder:

Maher was good on his third attempt as well:

The offense was finally able to get in the end zone with a touchdown to Jordan Chunn:

When Brett Maher was asked to come out and save the second-team offense, he got it again!

And then of course, Maher is money again!

Lastly, Maher makes the mistake! He was doing so good...

That’s basically it for today’s practice, the defense was still dominant, the offense got a few shots in but it was tough-sledding for that side of the ball. Defense wins another!