5 things to watch as training camp starts this week

FRISCO, Texas – Finally, training camp is right in front of the Cowboys.

No longer do we refer to camp as starting in late July, or next month or even next week. Training camp kicks off in Oxnard here in a few days as the Cowboys depart for sunny California on Tuesday.

The team doesn't hit the practice field until Thursday, but the pads won't come on for a few days after that.

But make no mistake, training camp is finally among us. Here are a few of the quick headlines to monitor as the Cowboys take a big step closer to the start of the 2024 season.

1. CeeDee Watch – Sure, the Cowboys have other players who could get a new contract, with Dak Prescott being one of them. But the quarterback is expected to be with the team on Tuesday, as is linebacker Micah Parsons. But all eyes will be on receiver CeeDee Lamb – or will any eyes be on him? Lamb has skipped all of the voluntary OTA practices and the mandatory minicamp, which resulted in a fine. Obviously, Lamb is waiting for a new contract as he enters the fifth year of his contract. If he misses camp, he will be fined daily, just as Zack Martin did a year ago.
2. New Defense – The Cowboys lost Dan Quinn, who is now the head coach in Washington, but his defense wasn't perfect, especially in the playoff loss to the Packers. Can Mike Zimmer return to Dallas once again and provide not only a new look, but create a scheme that benefits Micah Parsons even more? Those are some of the questions that exist with this defense, which not only gets Trevon Diggs back on the field, but add veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, who knows Zimmer's scheme better than anyone.
3. O-Line battles – With all the pressure on Dak Prescott, who finished second in the MVP voting last year, this season could be even bigger for the veteran quarterback. But for him to be even better in 2024, he'll have to do so playing behind a new left tackle and center. And the Cowboys would prefer for both of those spots to go to rookies as first-round pick Tyler Guyton will get every chance to win the left tackle spot and replace Tyron Smith. At center, third-round pick Cooper Beebe and Brock Hoffman are the top candidates to compete at center.
4. Zeke's Back – Not only is Ezekiel Elliott back on the roster again, but it appears as if he's the favorite to win the starting job at tailback now that Tony Pollard is gone. Zeke split time with Pollard in 2022, but he still managed to score 10 rushing touchdowns. Last year, he had a limited role with the Patriots but he's back now in Dallas, wearing No. 15. While Zeke is wearing a new number, he'll have to prove he can handle the starting role and stave off the competition of vets like Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and a host of other young backs, including Deuce Vaughn.
5. Leap Year?– The Cowboys really only signed one key free agent in Kendricks. So this team is relying heavily not only on this year's draft class, but the last few as well. Part of the team's offseason strategy was to give several young players that opportunity they've been lacking. So takes advantage? Right now, look at players like Sam Williams, Jalen Tolbert, Mazi Smith, Juanyeh Thomas, Jalen Brooks, Nahshon Wright, Isreael Mukuamu and Luke Schoonmaker who are all young guys that should get plenty of chances to earn those much-needed reps.

Those are just a handful of the storylines to watch as we get ready for the start of camp. You could make the case for about 10 others that will be intriguing for fans and media to keep an eye on.