OXNARD, Calif. - Here are a few quick observations from the Cowobys-Rams practice in Oxnard on Thursday:
- - Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle have both gotten their share of first-team reps in training camp and, in the joint scrimmage against the Rams, Dowdle looked very good with his opportunities. That said, it might've been the best day of camp thus far for Elliott, who also benefited from cavernous run lanes, a nod to the improvement of the offensive line, but Elliott was decisive in his cuts and his burst was on display as well to hit those lanes and quickly make it to the second and, at times, to the third level of the defense.- (Patrik Walker)
- - If you blink during a Cowboys' practice, you'll miss a big play or breakup from rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson. His biggest test in training camp thus far arrived when the Rams visited Oxnard for a joint practice, taking reps against a different team for the first time in the NFL, and he passed with flying colors. After nearly grabbing an interception but narrowly missing, he reloaded and picked off Jimmy G on the next set of downs — showing more and more why even Dak Prescott himself calls him "Seat Belt Carson". - (Patrik Walker)
- - Eric Kendricks began camp playing like his hair was on fire, missed a couple of practices due to tightness in his back and returned to practice with even more fire in his hair. The Rams were reminded time and again that there is plenty of fuel left in the former First-Team All-Pro's tank, evidenced early when Kendricks sniffed out a run to the right edge by Kyren Williams and scraped/knifed through traffic to blow up the play and, had it been an actual game, Williams would've been picking his teeth out of the grass. - (Patrik Walker)
- - The inactives for today's practice included Trevon Diggs (rehab group), Israel Mukuamu (groin), Deuce Vaughn (hamstring), Royce Freeman (groin), Nathan Thomas (undisclosed), Peyton Hendershot (shoulder) Sheldrick Redwine (undisclosed). -(Nick Harris)
- - Rico Dowdle had a strong day, including two big early runs in the team drills that got the crowd going. The middle of the offensive line with Brock Hoffman, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith also deserves credit for paving lanes, as well as T.J. Bass in some rotational work. - (Nick Harris)
- - Jalen Tolbert had an up-and-down day for the most part, but his strong hands were on display on multiple occasions. A dropped touchdown in red zone work was the low point, but he came up with solid grabs from Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush throughout the day. - (Nick Harris)
- A few familiar faces made their way to the fields on Friday, including some former Cowboys players. Quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Steve Beuerlein were on hand, chatting it up with former teammate Nate Newton. Tyrone Crawford got the chance to visit with former teammates and coaches. Also, NBA star Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, was in attendance as a guest of the Jones family. - (Nick Eatman)
