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The Dallas Cowboys took to the practice field for their second practice of training camp on Sunday morning and there is a lot of football news to digest. It is a beautiful time.
Things with America’s Team already feel dramatically different with Mike McCarthy in charge. The team’s first practice on Friday brought the change of a longtime team tradition in quarterbacks not wearing red practice jerseys; what did practice number two have in store for us?
Let’s begin.
Jalen Jelks has been released to make room for Everson Griffen
What goes up must come down, and according to ESPN, Jalen Jelks is the odd man out in order to make room for Everson Griffen.
Second-year defensive end Jalen Jelks has been released to make room for the impending addition of Everson Griffen. Jelks, a seventh round pick in 2019, spent last season on injured reserve.
Sean Lee and La’el Collins both kept it light
No harm, no foul.
Day 2 #Cowboys practice observarions: Sean Lee and La'el Collins on resistance cords to start practice. Sean Lee did just a couple of light, non contact drills at half speed, but didn't see anything from La'el
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 16, 2020
It’s still early.
Cam Erving did not practice
Aside from Jalen Jelks, who was released, Cam Erving did not practice on Sunday. Remember what Mike McCarthy said about him on Saturday.
McCarthy also gave an injury update on Cam Erving:
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) August 15, 2020
“ Dealing with an ailment. Don’t think it will be anything long-term.”
Cowboys practice jerseys now have names on the back of them
While we were all seeing red on Friday it seems that everyone is now seeing everything. Apparently Mike McCarthy has instituted the name of players on the back of their practice jerseys.
Cowboys players are now wearing nameplates on back of jerseys. This is not only a change from Friday’s practice but a departure from franchise camp tradition. Mike McCarty wanted nameplates, which facilitate player recognition for coaches and teammates after no spring workouts.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 16, 2020
Things like this might seem small and trivial, but consider that these are practices that have never been done for the Cowboys, or have been absent for a great amount of time. McCarthy is clearly all about being as efficient as possible, and think about how long it can often take (speaking within the context of the activity) to look up a player’s name on a roster sheet. Now coaches don’t have to waste that time.
There are multiple looks being used
This is very good to see. The Cowboys are mixing things up as far as the looks they give.
We’re not allowed to report position groups or which players are running with first, second, third teams, etc. But the Cowboys are already showing a variety of defensive looks including DeMarcus Lawrence and Aldon Smith
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 16, 2020
We’re not allowed to report the defensive looks the Cowboys are using during practice, but they’re definitely going to be much more multiple than in previous years
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 16, 2020
What mix-up do you want to see most?
Here were some winners of a particular variety
Jaylon Smith beat Zack Martin.
Jaylon Smith shutdown a screen pass as Zack Martin couldn't block him. Smith was able to tackle Zeke Elliott for a minimal gain.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 16, 2020
Anthony Brown and Chidobe Awuzie had an interception each.
biggest impression from Cowboys Practice, Day 2 is the defense getting their hands on balls.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 16, 2020
in 7v7, AB had a nice bat & INT of Andy Dalton, Jaylon broke up a pass from Dak to Jarwin & Chido picked off DiNucci. in team, Diggs made a nice grab on a deep ball to Devin Smith.
Aldon Smith beat Tyron Smith. Hold your breath.
Aldon Smith looked good today in practice. He was off the ball quick, while standing up, and in a compete drill he beat Tyron Smith.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 16, 2020
Connor Williams and Trysten Hill had the first skirmish of camp
Two players that people want to see more out of are undoubtedly Connor Williams and Trysten Hill, more specifically the latter. They got into it on Sunday morning.
Connor Williams & Trysten Hill provided us with our first training camp skirmish, which is pretty impressive given that the pads aren’t even on. I’m guessing the heat index is gonna play a role in that as camp goes on.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 16, 2020
Had a great view on the Williams-Hill skirmish at practice.
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 16, 2020
-Williams dominated Hill in 1-on-1
-Continued after the whistle
-OL jumped in to separate
-Hill bumped Williams on way back
-Williams gave a shove back
-Thus started the back and forth
Nothing but a competitive bout.
It seems like Tony Pollard may have been - gasp - involved
For real. Let your imagination run wild.
Without getting into specifics, per the team’s training camp policies, I was also struck by the fact that the Cowboys coaching staff definitely seems to recognize that they employ two very talented and versatile running backs.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 16, 2020
Tyler Biadasz took some snaps at guard
For your notes, just know that the rookie was used at a non-center position.
Connor Williams and Connor McGovern are working at left guard Biadasz taking some snaps at guard, too. https://t.co/fPP3rmAFiW
— Mickey Spagnola (@Spags52) August 16, 2020
This is obviously an interesting roster spot to watch.