With more than 80 players on the roster and most of them in uniform, coming up with three players to watch in Saturday's preseason game with the Vikings is rather easy. There are about 30 players that will be worth keeping an eye on for one reason or another.
But here are my three that I'll be watching more than others Saturday night:
RB DeMarco Murray – It's time to shine. The rookie has been out for a month with this hamstring injury and although he probably won't get a heavy dose of snaps or even kickoff returns, he should get something. He needs to make the most of his opportunities at this point. It's not like Murray won't be on the team, but his performance and the confidence the coaching staff has with him will trickle down to other decisions at this position.
CB Orlando Scandrick – We saw what a new contract did for him in practice Wednesday night. After a $25 million contract extension, Scandrick was all over the place during the night practice at the stadium. Let's see how he performs on an even bigger stage against the Vikings in what should be the dress rehearsal for both teams. He'll get the chance to start with both Newman and Jenkins out. Jason Garrett said Scandrick has looked better as an outside corner and we'll get a closer look at that Saturday night.
CB Mario Butler – He's started to catch our eyes here in the last 10 days or so and seems to have a knack for pass deflections. Of course, interceptions would be even better and if Butler can come up with one, or at least a few more pass breakups Saturday night, he's going to make it very difficult for the Cowboys to cut him. He's battling with guys like Josh Thomas and Bryan McCann for possibly a fifth cornerback spot. Right now, I think Butler has out-performed both of them in the first two preseason games.
