For the first time since January, the Dallas Cowboys head into a game week. While it is only just a preseason game with no record implications on the line, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot at stake against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon.
With the preseason being where jobs are won, and trust is gained, Dallas has five players on the roster entering the week with a lot to prove.
5 Cowboys Who Will Need To Shine Against the Rams
Whether they are trying to earn a starting job or hoping to secure a roster spot, Sunday’s preseason action will provide Dallas clarity as they look to trim down their roster ahead of Week 1. With much on the line, but for various different reasons, this week’s preseason game means a lot for each of these five players.
Tyler Guyton
One of the biggest variables for the Cowboys this season is centered around the development and play of rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton. The former Oklahoma Sooner is expected to step in and take over for future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith, and the first step in doing so is with a solid performance on Sunday against the Rams.
Guyton is making the transition from playing right tackle in college to being the left tackle and blindside protector for Dak Prescott in Dallas. While Prescott will more than likely not see any action this weekend, Guyton should, setting up what will be the young lineman’s first live situation to prove he is the man for the job.
A quality performance is not only for Guyton himself but also for the team, as they hope they have not only their left tackle of the future but also their guy for right now.
Tyron Billy-Johnson
When it comes to players who have shown up and shown out, Tyron Billy-Johnson may be at the top of that list so far in training camp. The veteran wide receiver, once viewed by many as an afterthought addition, has quietly been one of the more electric pass catchers in what has been a fun wide receiver group.
Tyron Billy-Johnson pic.twitter.com/575OnKp6Pg
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2024
He has been able to make plays throughout the two weeks, consistently using his blazing speed and crisp route running to be an issue for cornerbacks. With preseason action set to kick off, Billy-Johnson has a chance to put on tape what he has been doing in practice in a game setting.
He’s been productive at times during his NFL career, most recently with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he hasn’t had a real chance until now to show his abilities as a member of the Cowboys. However, if he can do so on Sunday, it may be one of the first big steps in solidifying his spot on this Dallas roster.
Brock Hoffman
When April’s draft commenced and the Cowboys drafted offensive lineman Cooper Beebe in the third round, many around the team immediately penciled the rookie in as the starting center. However, Brock Hoffman came into training camp and has made sure to let everyone know that they may have been too quick to write him off.
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All reports out of Oxnard, Calif., state that Hoffman has looked better between the two. The veteran’s strength, physicality, and command of the group as the man in the middle have been impressive.
With a quality performance on Sunday, Hoffman has a chance to win the job outright.
Marshawn Kneeland
The team’s expectations for Marshawn Kneeland were made crystal clear the moment they learned the severity of EDGE Sam Williams’ season-ending knee injury. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer alluded to the fact that Kneeland was already in line to be a contributor, but with the loss of Williams, the amount they will lean on him just went up.
1v1 drills. Good-looking shoulder dip here by Marshawn Kneeland to finish this. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/tFWlznprc8
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 2, 2024
This is a big game not only for the young pass rusher but also for the team. Beyond Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the EDGE spot appears to be a real question mark, and if Kneeland can show promise in live-action, it may settle some nerves in Dallas.
Trey Lance
Barring something catastrophic, Trey Lance doesn’t factor much into the Cowboys’ 2024 plans. However, as far as Lance and his career go, putting quality tape together in the preseason could make or break it.
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Dallas traded a fourth-round pick for Lance, and as we sit, they haven’t seen any returns on their investment. Many reports out of camp are that Lance has been up and down thus far through two weeks and hasn’t even been able to separate from QB2 Cooper Rush.
it appeared that Dallas, at one point, was looking to use Lance as a bargaining chip with Prescott as he seeks a new deal; however, at this point, there isn’t any talk of that being real or substantial. Lance needs to find a way to take every play in the preseason and make it his very best if he is going to continue on this NFL journey.