5 Cowboys to watch in Preseason Week 2 against Arizona Cardinals
Time is running out for players to lay claim to one of the coveted few remaining roster spots with the Dallas Cowboys this year. This week’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 of preseason could be paramount for some players to cement their role with the team this year, or not. Whatever the case, there can be a lot of the line for some players.
While everyone suiting up this week against the Cardinals will be under the microscope, there are a handful who we believe should be watched more closely than others. Some of them need to prove their spot on the depth chart of their given positions, while others are still on the roster bubble trying to earn a job. We’ll let you decide which is which.
WR Camden Brown
After a strong showing throughout training camp followed by a two-touchdown performance against the Seattle Seahawks in preseason Week 1, Camden Brown is someone that everyone will be watching closely against the Arizona Cardinals. He’s currently the favorite to win the fifth and probably final WR spot with the Cowboys. Another strong performance like last week could all but seal it. There’s already been talk about him replacing the No. 6 jersey, the same as Donovan Ezeiruaku, he’s currently donning with another number.
LB Jaishawn Barham
After missing some time in training camp with a groin injury as well as last week’s preseason game against the Seahawks, Dallas’ third-round pick this year, Jaishawn Barham, is expected to make his Cowboys debut against the Cardinals. It’s unknown how much he will play, probably no more than a dozen snaps, but it will be good to see him on the field in action after the way he’s been talked about throughout training camp. This especially true considering he could be competing for a starting job this year as a rookie.
OT Nate Thomas
Nate Thomas seems to have sadly regressed from last season. He is still currently the Cowboys swing tackle as of now, but if he doesn’t show improvement, and quickly, it may result in an outside addition being brought in to help stabilize the position. From top to bottom, Dallas’ OT position is still one of the team’s biggest concerns. If Thomas can at the least regain his 2025 form it eases those concerns, if not, Jerry Jones and Company may be looking for another swing tackle to improve things for the better.
OLB Marist Liufau
Despite being new to the OLB position, Marist Liufau shows promise as a pass rusher coming off the edge. He’s currently probably in a head-to-head battle with Sam Williams to earn the six and probably final spot at OLB after the recent addition of Von Miller, but could possibly have the slight edge over his competitor. With his off-ball/OLB position flex as well as his special teams value, there’s a lot of ways can be utilized by the Cowboys. He still has a lot to prove though, which is why he’s someone to watch this week against Arizona.
RB Israel Abanikanda
Although he’s been performing just as well as anyone throughout training camp/preseason, Israel Abanikanda is still a sleeper in the Cowboys backup RB competition and a long shot to make the roster. That doesn’t mean he’s not someone to keep an eye on though. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry last week against the Seahawks, behind only Malik Davis’ 5.6 yards per carry. With Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah both banged up, Abanikanda could receive more playing time against the Cardinals, possibly putting himself further in contention for a roster spot.
Post a Comment