Cowboys Open Practice Window for Three Young Players as Season Winds Down
With just three games left in the regular season and the playoff picture all but out of reach, the Dallas Cowboys are shifting focus-not in philosophy, but in personnel. On Wednesday, the team opened the 21-day practice window for three players: cornerback Josh Butler, running back Phil Mafah, and defensive end Payton Turner. All three returned to the field at The Star, signaling a potential late-season look at some fresh legs.
Now, let’s be clear-this isn’t a full-blown youth movement or a white flag. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer made that much known.
"It's just a chance to get them on the grass and see the guys compete," Schottenheimer said. "I know they're excited to get out there and play the game that they love."
That’s coach-speak for: “We want to win, but we’re also evaluating.” And that’s exactly where Dallas finds itself-caught between the desire to finish strong and the opportunity to get a glimpse of what the future might hold.
What the Practice Window Means
When a player returns from Injured Reserve, the team has 21 days to evaluate them in practice before deciding whether to activate them to the 53-man roster or shut them down for the season. For Butler, Mafah, and Turner, this is their chance to show they’re healthy and ready to contribute-either now or heading into 2026.
Could they be activated in time to suit up against the Chargers this Sunday at AT&T Stadium? It’s possible, but probably a stretch.
One week of practice after a stint on IR isn’t always enough to get game-ready. Still, just being back on the field is a meaningful step.
Eyes on the Youth
The Cowboys have made it clear that winning remains the priority, with Schottenheimer, quarterback Dak Prescott, and owner Jerry Jones all publicly doubling down on that message. But winning and development aren’t mutually exclusive-especially when the postseason isn’t in the cards.
This is where the younger guys come in. Getting players like Mafah, Butler, and Turner some live reps-not just practice snaps-could serve a dual purpose: keep the team competitive now, and build a more informed offseason plan later.
Let’s not forget, these are talented players with something to prove. Mafah brings a physical running style that could complement the current backfield. Butler’s shown promise at corner, and Turner, when healthy, has flashed the kind of edge presence that Dallas could use more of down the line.
What to Watch
Over the next three weeks, don’t be surprised to see the Cowboys’ game-day roster shift slightly from week to week. That’s not a sign of chaos-it’s strategic. This is a team trying to walk the fine line between finishing strong and building for what comes next.
And if you’re a Cowboys fan wondering whether these three will see the field before the season wraps up? There’s a real chance.
They're practicing. They're competing.
And if the coaching staff likes what they see, we could get a sneak peek at what the next wave of Cowboys contributors looks like.
For now, the focus remains on preparing for the Chargers. But behind the scenes, the groundwork is being laid for 2026-and it starts with seeing what guys like Mafah, Butler, and Turner can do when the lights come on.