The Dallas Cowboys got a late start at The Star on Tuesday night, but there was still plenty to sort through in their first of two practices in Frisco.
Fans were welcomed into a two-hour session, and the night wrapped with a drone show and a tailgate featuring Jerry Jones, Dak Prescott, Brandon Aubrey and DeMarvion Overshown. The players were in shells, and Wednesday is set to bring a full padded practice before the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Friday.
One of the cleanest showings came from Aubrey, who backed up his reputation with a perfect field goal period. The newly minted highest-paid kicker in the NFL after signing a four-year, $28 million extension, Aubrey went six for six from 31, 33, 37, 42, 47 and 54 yards.
The only real wrinkle was that he didn’t get any tries beyond 54, even though fans have grown used to seeing him drill kicks from 60-plus in practice. Still, the message was the same: he remains automatic.
There were also a handful of notable absences. Jonathan Bullard sat out while still dealing with abdomen tendinitis, and his status for the season opener could be in doubt if he doesn’t get back soon. Tight end DJ Rogers and offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius were also out.
Two other names missing from the field were safety Julius Wood and Michael Trigg, both of whom have been among the most intriguing players this preseason. Wood has been battling for a place in a crowded safety room, while Trigg has been pushing Luke Schoonmaker. With roster cuts approaching, both injuries are worth watching closely.
On the field, George Pickens again showed why he’s such a difficult cover. He came down with a pass while Cobie Durant was right on him, a reminder that he’s still the king of the 50-50 ball. Dak Prescott has now hit both CeeDee Lamb and Pickens on nice gainers, and the Pickens- Prescott connection from last season already looks ready to carry over.
Brevyn Spann-Ford also kept building his case. The former undrafted free agent has moved from depth piece to a real contender for TE2, thanks in part to his blocking, and he flashed as a receiver Tuesday night.
He adjusted to a throw that was behind him, secured it as he was going to the turf and finished it off for a touchdown. In two seasons with Dallas, Spann-Ford has 18 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown, and those numbers should keep climbing in 2026 if his role keeps growing.
The defensive highlight belonged to Caleb Downs. The rookie first-round pick has been one of the standout players in camp, drawing praise for his coverage and leadership, and now he’s finally got the interception to go with it.
Downs picked off Prescott in a red zone drill and celebrated by booting the ball 40 yards. He enters the season with plenty on his plate, but the Cowboys are clearly counting on him to be the face of the secondary and help change its direction.
Through camp, he’s looked more than capable of handling that kind of pressure.
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