The Cowboys Game on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks is not about the standings. It is about answers. With three preseason games to work through, Dallas is using the opener in Oxnard, Calif. to start sorting out the depth-chart races that still need a winner.
That matters because several spots remain unresolved, including QB2, RB2, CB2, receiver depth, linebacker depth and safety depth. In a short preseason, every snap counts, and the first game offers the clearest chance for players to separate themselves.
Which Cowboys are under the spotlight?
Jaydon Blue is one of the key names to watch in the backfield battle. The running back is being evaluated for ball security and speed as he competes for RB2, and this is the kind of game where those traits can stand out quickly.
Elsewhere, the Cowboys are also looking closely at young defenders and receivers who need live reps to make their case. A few weeks ago, Alijah Clark went down in practice with what looked like a serious ankle injury, so the secondary picture has already been affected before a preseason snap has even been played.
Recent practice hints, but no final answers
The last week of work has only added more intrigue. Against the Rams, Justin Barron produced three interceptions in a single joint practice, which is exactly the kind of flash that can change the conversation around a roster fight.
Michael Trigg was dubbed “unguardable” by his head coach last week, another reminder that the Cowboys still have players trying to turn practice praise into game-day value. And with Michael Trigg, Justin Barron, Alijah Clark and others in the picture, the staff has enough live questions to track across the final stretch of the preseason.
That is why Saturday night feels important even without regular-season stakes. The Cowboys only have three preseason games, so this first one against the Seahawks is a chance to test reliability, timing and depth under real pressure.
By the end of the night, Dallas should have a better sense of who is pushing for roles at QB2, RB2, CB2 and beyond. It will not settle every battle, but it should tell the Cowboys a lot about which players are ready to take the next step.
