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After taking a day off so we could give our full attention to the second episode of Hard Knocks or something like that, the Dallas Cowboys were back in practice at The Star in Frisco. Here are the media’s comments.
Rain in the area forced a change.
Practice is being moved indoors. pic.twitter.com/lco3gUOkT8
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 18, 2021
Some roster news. No word yet on the corresponding move to open a roster spot.
The #Cowboys are signing former @CFL all-star kicker Lirim Hajrullahu, per source. Greg Zuerlein is on the PUP list following offseason back surgery. https://t.co/MLTNiVAsgi
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) August 18, 2021
The coverage by the media was a bit different for this one, and probably will continue.
I’m headed to practice, but it sounds like live social is off the table because it’s not open to fans. So, I’m sure you’ll be seeing an avalanche of tape delayed tweets here in 90 or so minutes.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2021
Important health updates:
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was active for first 45 minutes of practice via individual drills. Pulled before WR/DB one-on-ones. Still not permitted to join team drills, hence slim chance he plays in preseason. Dak has not participated in a padded team drill this preseason.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 18, 2021
Still getting some throws in, at least.
Same routine for Dak Prescott today. No team drills or 7 on 7 pic.twitter.com/WhTN2i1ZD4
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2021
Uh-oh.
La’el Collins exited practice early after meeting with athletic trainers for what appeared to be a neck or shoulder issue pic.twitter.com/o4riEjutJR
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2021
Fingers crossed.
La'el Collins did not finish practice after meeting with head athletic trainer Jim Maurer. Appeared to get his shoulder/neck examined. He remained on the field, which may be a sign it's not too bad.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 18, 2021
Aden Durde becoming a legend. Oh, and Randy.
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory leading off DL drills today. No flinch from Aden Durde as pass rushers chased after him pic.twitter.com/IuwmSEtu09
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 18, 2021
Here’s hoping this carries over to the real games.
This award is not given out, but if there is a most improved player award for training camp it would be Dorance Armstrong. He has been disruptive the last week-plus of camp.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 18, 2021
And a second nominee.
So has Osa. https://t.co/HLA4vkbPVZ
— BryanBroaddus (@BryanBroaddus) August 18, 2021
Good news, as well as a hint of just how briefly we may see the ones against the Houston Texans.
More work for Amari Cooper today. He was moving well. Said yesterday that he planned on playing about 10 snaps Saturday vs. Houston pic.twitter.com/PCS3vXvmnR
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2021
A bit of a thread:
It hasn’t slowed him down at all, but for weeks, Cowboys rookie LB Micah Parsons been wearing tape over left wrist. Barely of note since he continues to practice/play at high level. Late in practice, he appeared to favor area. Spoke to medical staff. And then, back to playing.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2021
Cowboys have been short on defensive linemen this camp. NT Quinton Bohanna missed his first practice, but the rookie sixth-round pick is believed to be fine. Dealing with illness considered to be minor, source said.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2021
In a one-on-one coverage period, nickel CB Jourdan Lewis strung together two strong reps vs. WR Michael Gallup, the second of which was a pass breakup. Gallup later slipped at the top of his route, leading to Trevon Diggs interception. Gallup found rhythm as practice progressed.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2021
Other takes:
Jourdan Lewis made some nice plays today. Had an impressive PBU in 1v1s where he literally ripped the ball from Michael Gallup’s hands.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2021
Lewis also had a tip drill INT off a Trevon Diggs PBU in the end zone, though the play was waved off by an offside flag.
Good question.
Watching these last two practices, I definitely find myself doing that thing where you wonder if the pass rush is that good or if the OL just needs more work.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2021
Dorance Armstrong & Randy Gregory looked like they were everywhere today. Micah Parsons & Osa also flashed TFLs & sacks.
Boo injuries.
Zack Martin didn't practice. Dak Prescott remains limited and La'el Collins didn't finish practice with a neck/shoulder injury.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 18, 2021
Neither will likely play against the Texans. The first team offense won't play together until the opener against the Buccaneers defense#dallascowboys
More Randy.
Pass rush has been impressive this week in practice. Randy Gregory sets the tone and has wreaked havoc off the edge. Great burst and pursuit. Has consistently shot into the backfield off initial move. https://t.co/IHP9vMLL2A
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) August 18, 2021
Fingers still crossed.
I don’t currently get the impression that it’s something to be worried about. He stayed for the rest of practice.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2021
I understand what happened with him last year, though. So I get it if that doesn’t make you feel better. https://t.co/jFgJJb2XSE
Don’t need to rush things.
I didn’t notice much of a difference between Dak’s Monday and Dak’s Wednesday. He went through a pretty good throwing routine early on, with a number of throws going 15-20 yards with some pretty good zip on them. He sat out for the competitive portions of practice.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2021
A post practice note of note.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott said he doesn’t have a preference on playing in preseason. “It doesn’t really matter to me.” Feels ready for football. Mike McCarthy has said he is being mindful of Elliott’s past workload when determining August usage. pic.twitter.com/P8PNkV2VeK
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2021