FRISCO, Texas – It only took a couple of days, but Deonte Thompson looks all the way back.
"I'm good, I'm good. Ready to roll," the veteran receiver said Friday.
It had been awhile since Thompson took part in practice, as he was patiently watching a strained Achilles these past few weeks. But after mixing in gradually on Thursday, the veteran receiver was a full-go on Friday, functioning as a first-team wide receiver.
Despite the long layover, the seven-year veteran said he was optimistic that he could get some snaps in Sunday night's preseason game against Arizona.
"I am looking forward to it – especially in that stadium," Thompson said. "I haven't gotten a chance to get in there and suit up yet."
This preseason has to have been frustrating for Thompson, who was excelling in the first days of practice before his injury cropped up. Given his veteran status in the league, though, he said the lost time is something he can overcome.
"It's big, but not as big as for a young guy," he said. "I've been around, I've played a lot of football in this league. I know what comes with it and how it goes."
Thompson is rounding back into good health at an interesting time for the Cowboys. With one week left in the preseason, the receiver depth chart is still a bit uncertain. Now, he may have his chance to make an impression.
Quick Hits From Practice
· Rookie left guard Connor Williams was the lone starting offensive lineman taking part in practice. Joe Looney continued to start at center for Travis Frederick, who has begun treatments for Guillain-Barre syndrome and will be out for an undetermined period of time. Cameron Fleming and Chaz Green filled in at the tackle spots for Tyron Smith (hamstring) and La'el Collins (calf; sick), though neither player's ailments are expected to keep them out long.
· DeMarcus Lawrence continued to show his Pro Bowl burst around the edge, beating Fleming for a likely would-be sack on Dak Prescott in team drills.
· Linebacker Jaylon Smith also got credited with a would-be sack blitzing Prescott. But, with the offense trailing 20-17 in a two-minute situation, Prescott lofted a perfect throw to rookie Michael Gallup for a 37-yard touchdown. Gallup continues to make plays downfield in these camp practices.
· The Cowboys rotated several receivers with the first-team offense in the hurry-up session, including Gallup, Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, Lance Lenoir and the returning Thompson.
· Backup quarterback Cooper Rush and receiver K.D. Cannon also connected for an impressive pitch-and-catch down field in two-minute work.
· First-round pick Leighton Vander Esch continued to sit out after straining his groin in the final padded practice back in Oxnard last week. The Cowboys are hopeful he can return to practice in the coming days.
