OXNARD, Calif. – Dak Prescott had his customary pitch-and-catch with Cowboys coach Jason Garrett on Thursday after practice. After that, he stopped for a quick chat with team owner/general manager Jerry Jones.
That's the type of attention you get when you're called on to fill the void as the backup quarterback – or, as the case was with Tony Romo taking Thursday off, the temporary starter.
"It just gives the opportunity to prove ourselves, to go out there and show that we're adjusting to this offense and getting the concepts that we can play in this league," Prescott said.
Prescott ran with the first-team for the duration of a depleted afternoon practice. He didn't have Dez Bryant, Jason Witten or Ezekiel Elliott in the starting lineup, but it was still a far cry from the third-team – particularly when it came to facing the starting Dallas defense.
"I'm starting to pick up what the defense is doing, what they're disguising and stuff like that, so that's helping a lot, as well," he said.
Garrett said he planned to have his quarterbacks play some situational football at practice, and that was highlighted by a spirited two-minute drill. Prescott wasn't perfect, but he completed three solid passes – including a 3rd-and-5 conversion to Cole Beasley.
The drive stalled and resulted in a Dan Bailey field goal, however.
"I think I did alright," Prescott said. "Obviously, I wanted to score, but the situation was before the half and we got points and that's what matters."
Quick Hits
- Orlando Scandrick made his way back into the competitive portions of practice on Thursday. Playing primarily in the slot, he was active in full-team and two-minute drill, breaking up a pass intended for Cole Beasley.
- Ezekiel Elliott sat out of practice, but he's healthy enough to do some conditioning work. Cowboys athletic trainers worked with Elliott on his sore hamstring, allowing him to stretch it out.
- DeMarcus Lawrence continues to measure up to Tyron Smith in the 1-on-1 portions of practice. The third-year defensive end beat Smith once on a 1-on-1 rush, and he got the All-Pro left tackle off balance on a couple of occasions.
- Dez Bryant created quite a stir for several minutes after practice when he went to the fence-line to sign autographs. But he even went back out for a second trip when he was informed one fan had a tattoo of Dez "throwing up the X" on his hand. Bryant ran some 65 yards back down the field to meet the fan, get a picture. "That's real dedication right there," said Bryant, who then signed a few more autographs as he made his way back to the locker room.
Notable Standouts
Morris Claiborne –The fifth-year corner continues to have an outstanding camp. Claiborne was active around the ball all afternoon, highlighted by his near-takeaway in the two-minute drill. Prescott looked for Brice Butler on a curl route, only for Claiborne to jump the route and bat the ball away. It nearly could have been an interception, but it was a nice play nonetheless.
Dan Bailey –He's been his usual reliable self for most of these practices, but he took it to another level during two-minute drill. The first-team offense stalled at about the 38-yard line, so Bailey's clutch kick was from roughly 55 yards away. He nailed it – to no one's surprise.
Cole Beasley –Orlando Scandrick and Sean Lee broke up a couple of balls intended for Beasley, but it was still obvious who Prescott was looking for on a lot of the offense's first-team reps. The speedy receiver continues to be hard to cover 1-on-1, which made him a perfect outlet for Prescott as he continues to get comfortable in the offense.
Play of the Day
Jameill Showers made a big league throw during the seven-on-seven portion of practice, but the truly impressive part was the guy who made the catch. Lined up in the slot, Gavin Escobar tore across field on a post, blowing past Isaiah Frey in the process. As Escobar crossed the hashmarks, Showers ripped a 30-yard throw right toward his tight end. Kavon Frazier was the safety on the play, and he didn't recognize what was unfolding in time. The result was Escobar reeling in a touchdown catch, despite Frey's best efforts to catch up to the play. It was another impressive reminder of how far Escobar has come since tearing his Achilles.
Unofficial Injury Report
Missed Practice:
DT Tyrone Crawford (back)
DT Terrell McClain (toe)
QB Kellen Moore (fibula)
LB Kyle Wilber (back)
DT Maliek Collins (foot; Active/PUP)
DE Benson Mayowa (knee; Active/PUP)
RB Darren McFadden (elbow; Active/NFI)
RB Lance Dunbar (knee; Active/PUP)
LB Jaylon Smith (knee; Active/NFI)
LB Damien Wilson (eye; Active/NFI)
TE James Hanna (knee; Active/PUP)
Left Practice:
WR Devin Street (back)
LB Andrew Gachkar (thumb)
Transactions
Aug. 2 – Signed LB James Morris (Iowa).
Aug. 3 –Signed DE Gerald Dixon (South Carolina); waived/injured OT Darryl Baldwin and S Rolan Milligan.
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, August 5
12:15 p.m. (PDT) Coach Garrett press conference
3:45 p.m. (PDT) Practice
Saturday, August 6
12:15 p.m. (PDT) Coach Garrett press conference
3:45 p.m. (PDT) Practice
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