HONOLULU - While practice evaluation is always important, we all know these guys are judged even more by what happens in the game.
Our staff writers were at camp for the entire time and will be keeping tabs on several players.
But here are four offensive guys that the writers will be paying attention to Saturday against the Rams in Hawaii.
Rob Phillips:
Cooper Rush: He had the edge over fellow backup quarterback candidate Mike White in last Saturday's preseason opener. But the evaluation continues in Hawaii. More than likely, Rush will be a little short-handed at the skill positions Saturday. Wide receivers Jon'Vea Johnson (shoulder) and Cedrick Wilson (concussion) and tight ends Blake Jarwin (foot) and Dalton Schultz (ankle) missed practice time this week. Rush did get solid protection from the second-team offensive line against the 49ers, though, and maybe the best thing he did was heed the motto of his new quarterbacks coach, Jon Kitna: He let it rip.
David Helman:
Mike Weber: To borrow a phrase from Rod Marinelli, it feels like the train is leaving the station at the running back position. The Cowboys feel confident enough about Tony Pollard that they only gave him nine snaps last week in San Francisco, and they know Alfred Morris so well that they didn't give him any work at all. Those two feel like the prohibitive favorites to make the team, alongside Jamize Olawale and — hopefully — Ezekiel Elliott. I want to watch Mike Weber this weekend to see if there's anything he can do to change that narrative. He has shown flashes during this camp, and he strikes me as the type of guy who gets better with a larger workload. Maybe he can grab this opportunity and make a statement that he shouldn't be forgotten about.
Nick Eatman:
Codey McElroy: Who knows how much these veteran tight ends will play. I doubt we see much of anything from Witten, Schultz and Jarwin. That will leave McElroy to get a ton of reps with Marcus Lucas. Last week, McElroy showed up in the second half with a couple of catches. And it seems like he'll get even more chances this week to shine. Does he have a great shot of making the roster? Probably not, but they play these games for a reason. And don't forget he was with the Rams last year, so it's even more incentive for him to shine.
Bryan Broaddus:
Devin Smith: Has put himself in the wide receiver mix the last two weeks. Was just an after thought coming out of OTAs but has practiced/played well. Was nicked up in practice on Wednesday with an ankle problem but fought through it. The old Devin Smith might not have done that. Sees a real opportunity here and is making the best of it. Needs to continue to fight his way on this roster and not hit the wall like others have. Should get an early look in this game to see if he can continue to build.
