The Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to play their first preseason game on Saturday night, traveling east from Oxnard to take on the Denver Broncos. With only three exhibition games this year, it’s highly unlikely the Cowboys will play all of their starters for many snaps. Instead, expect to see those fighting for roster spots to get the majority of the work.
If the first-string guys do line up, it won’t be for long. The Cowboys won’t be exposing quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, left tackle Tyron Smith or wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for more than what’s needed to knock off a little rust. Dallas just doesn’t have the depth to take those unnecessary risks.
However, if the Cowboys do line up their starters on both sides of the ball, one might be wondering who will be opening up the game. Perhaps even more interesting will be the pecking order for those positions that have been having camp battles.
For anyone questioning what the depth chart will look like heading into the game, the Cowboys have obliged with the first look. Following are three observations of what it means for the players on the roster.