Garrett picked eight team leaders to run the 7-on-7 youth tournament on Thursday.
- Safety Gerald Sensabaugh was held out of the last practice day for the OTAs because of a slight knee injury. Head coach Jason Garrett said he doesn't see it as anything serious. His absence put Barry Church in the starting lineup alongside veteran Brodney Pool.
- The cornerback depth appears to be stronger this year, but with Morris Claiborne (wrist) out and Mike Jenkins missing all of OTAs while he rehabs his shoulder injury in Florida, it has left the door open for some younger players. Rookie free agent Isaac Madison (Arkansas) got first-team reps in the nickel and appears to be in the mix as the fifth-best cornerback along with Mario Butler and C.J. Wilson.
- While Jerry Jones, Garrett and Rob Ryan have all said they expect Jenkins to attend next week's mandatory minicamp, the most assuring statement on this topic probably comes from Orlando Scandrick, who said, "He will be here." Scandrick and Jenkins were drafted in 2008 together, have been locker-mates for four years and are considered close friends. Still, Jenkins won't be practicing because of a shoulder injury that required surgery.
- Tight end coach John Garrett, brother of head coach Jason, has been in a walking boot this week after suffering pain in his Achilles after running a 5K last weekend. Garrett, 47, said he did win his age group in the race, although it seemed to come at a price.
- While the Cowboys opted to use the 10th OTA day and make it a light-hearted community event, it was rather telling in terms of Jason Garrett's team leaders. He picked eight players to coach the youth football squads for the Dallas Cowboys U 7-on-7 tournament, choosing four from each side of the ball. He then had those eight speak to the kids about their experiences and journey to the NFL. It seems rather obvious Garrett will be leaning on DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Sean Lee, Sensabaugh, Doug Free, Tony Romo, Jason Witten and Miles Austin for more than just a fun-filled day with high school kids.
- The Cowboys are expected to start negotiations with their seven draft picks next week. After the final minicamp practice on June 14, the players won't be required to be at Valley Ranch for about a month. Not only do the Cowboys have the money to get the picks signed, but it's likely the best time to get their signatures on the dotted line.
- One of the those draft picks expected to ink a deal is safety Matt Johnson, who missed all three weeks of the OTAs with classes at Eastern Washington still in session. Classes end this week at EWU and Johnson should be on the field for Tuesday's practice.
- The three-day minicamp consists of one practice each day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at Valley Ranch. Thursday's final minicamp practice is scheduled at Cowboys Stadium. Of course, the Cowboys could always move the first two practices indoors if bad weather hits.
- Training camp officially begins on July 25 at Valley Ranch, although only quarterbacks and rookies are eligible to participate. The entire team will depart for Oxnard, Calif. on July 28 and the first practice is scheduled for July 30.
