Cowboys news: Dallas players who need a big game vs. Ravens

Players 2 Watch: Paying attention to these guys vs. Baltimore – DallasCowboys.com 

Some players who need a good showing on Saturday.

Tyler Booker: First-round pick Tyler Booker will make his NFL debut on Saturday night, a week after many expected him to play in the team’s first preseason game against the Rams. Brian Schottenheimer cited the lack of recovery time for Booker between the joint practice and preseason game as the reason he didn’t play, so Dallas should see a fresh Booker on Saturday. What does a fresh Booker look like when playing at best? Paving running lanes for the running backs behind him. Can he do it at a high level early in his career? Saturday’s our first sample size to find out. – (Tommy Yarrish)

Phil Mafah: Malik Davis’ production in limited duty against the Rams aside, it was the Mafah Show in LA. And seeing as fellow rookie Jaydon Blue is unlikely to take the field for his preseason debut against the Ravens, I’m keenly interested in seeing if Mafah can take another step forward in jumping off the tape this weekend. If he can, the discussion regarding the RBs room will get extremely spicy with only one preseason game remaining and roster cuts around the corner. Mafah is showing everything you’d need in an impact running back. – (Patrik Walker)

Training camp superlatives: Which Dallas Cowboys performed best in Oxnard? – Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

Many players had good training camps in California, but these guys stood out the most.

Offensive MVP: WR KaVontae Turpin

Don’t expect KaVontae Turpin to be a 700-yard receiver this season, but don’t be surprised if his offensive value sees a sharp uptick in the first year under Brian Schottenheimer.

With each practice, Turpin made a play in the receiving game that resulted in a big gain, from tunnel screens to quick drag routes and deep crossers to even getting snaps at running back. His increased knowledge of route concepts is starting to show as he enters his fourth season.

And while he has already cemented himself as one of the league’s best return threats with two Pro Bowl nods, he looks poised to add even further value to his name with an increased offensive role.

“No fear, that’s the kick return mentality,” Schottenheimer said of Turpin. “He doesn’t need a lot of space. … He’s just dynamic. He’s a weapon. This is a guy that can impact a game. … He’s just a guy we want to move all over the field.”

Defensive MVP: CB Kaiir Elam

There were a lot of questions surrounding the cornerback position going into camp — and, granted, there still are — but Kaiir Elam has been a breath of fresh air for a room that is waiting to get back multiple injured players.

After being acquired from the Buffalo Bills in a trade this offseason, Elam has shown up in multiple practices with interceptions and pass deflections. His man coverage abilities have shown up, and even the zone concepts he struggled with at times in Buffalo have seen improvement under his new system in Dallas. Elam finished training camp with a team-high three interceptions.

“He’s playing with a lot of confidence,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s been the same guy every day since he got here when we signed up. He had a really good spring. … He’s one of those guys that has elite feet, elite change of direction, but I see him growing in the mental side of it. A change of scenery helps a lot of people.”

Injury risk a legit concern after Micah Parsons hold-in through Cowboys camp – Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire 

Not being on the field during training camp isn’t an ideal situation for Micah Parsons. 

Oxnard training camp has officially ended and the Dallas Cowboys have yet come to a contract agreement with star pass rusher Micah Parsons. With the regular season opener mere weeks away, there’s still time to get an extension in place before he misses any real time. But one has to wonder if some damage has already been done, and even with a new deal, Parsons could be in store for a disappointing campaign in 2025.

Training camp exists for a reason. Players practice new schemes, apply new techniques and hone important skills. It’s a ramp up to when the regular season begins and a chance to ease into an extremely physical and relentless marathon of pure gladiator sport.

Players who miss training camp, be it recovering from injury or holding out in contract disputes, find themselves at a greater risk of injury once the regular season begins and they return to the field. The logic is simple: missed practices often mean less conditioning and that brings a higher likelihood of injury. Since gym shape is different from game shape, it’s extremely difficult to prepare for the game without the benefits of real-life practices with teammates. Multiple studies have shown the link between missing time and increased injury risk and it’s something the Cowboys and Parsons have to keep in mind as they navigate coming days and weeks.

Entering his third season, Cowboys DT Mazi Smith knows there are no more excuses – Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News 

It’s now or never for Mazi Smith when it comes to reaching his potential. 

OXNARD, Calif. — Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith enters his third season, and second preseason game Saturday night against the Ravens, knowing excuses about why he hasn’t lived up to expectations with this club are gone.

“This is my third year [and] the only people that should be expecting anything out of me is our fan base and the people in the building,” Smith said. “If you ain’t that, I ain’t trying to hear it. And even a lot of people on social media. I really ain’t trying to hear it.”

Smith’s refreshing take on expectations is welcomed because he understands the scrutiny that comes with being a first-round pick.

Smith has seen weight gains and losses, worked for three defensive coordinators and three line coaches with three schemes for him to master. Over the past seven years and counting the pros and in college at Michigan, Smith has played for six defensive coordinators and five defensive line coaches.

As a pro, he’s never missed a game, starting in 20 of 34. He’s touted as someone who can push the pocket in the pass game if necessary and stop the run. One of the biggest struggles with the Cowboys is their inability to stop the run. Last season, the Cowboys allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL at 2,331 with a 4.8 average. In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys allowed 181 rushing yards. Smith started vs. the Rams and played 14 snaps, registering no tackles.

“I just didn’t do anything,” Smith said. “You got to do something. I’m a first-round pick. There’s expectations. It’s my third year.”