NFL training camps are already handing out some clear pecking orders, and a few former Cowboys are right in the middle of the action.
In Pittsburgh, Jaylen Warren has moved into the top spot on the running back depth chart. The latest Steelers chart lists him as RB1, with Rico Dowdle at RB2 and Kaleb Johnson at RB3. Warren has steadily built his case over four seasons in Pittsburgh, and he’s coming off a career-best year with 958 yards and six touchdowns after starting 15 games last season.
The Steelers also seem to have a pretty firm idea of what they want behind Aaron Rodgers. Mason Rudolph has drawn strong praise from new head coach Mike McCarthy, who said, “I’can’t tell you how pleased I am with Mason Rudolph…he throws it better than I ever knew.”
Rudolph remains listed as QB2 on the first Steelers depth chart, and there appears to be a sizable gap between him and the rest of the quarterback room. Per sources, Pittsburgh plans to trade Will Howard after the preseason.
If no team steps up, the Steelers will try to stash him on the practice squad. The team plans to keep Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar.
Elsewhere, Tylan Wallace is getting a fresh look in Cleveland. After showing flashes in Baltimore without ever landing a true breakout role, Wallace now has a chance to carve out something more with the Browns.
Ourlads currently projects him as a second-string receiver, and he’s competing for targets behind Jerry Jeudy and rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. He’s already shown some encouraging signs, including an impressive contested catch for the Browns offense and a touchdown connection with Shedeur Sanders in a late-game situation.
Ollie Gordon is another player drawing early camp buzz. Jeff Hafley said he wants Gordon to compete for an “every down back,” adding, “I think he’s capable of doing it.
Ollie has flashed and knows what he’s doing. He has great speed, he has great size, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield too.”
Gordon finished his rookie season with 70 carries for 199 yards and three touchdowns.
In Carolina, Chuba Hubbard was involved in a practice scuffle with defensive tackle Bobby Brown III. The report says Hubbard appeared to be the one who escalated things, throwing a punch at Brown and then tossing the helmet of the 6-4, 332-pound defender.
Hubbard is still projected to start in 2026, though his role shrank last season after Jonathon Brooks emerged. His production was cut in half in 2025 after he rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
Detroit is another spot where a former Cowboy is turning heads. Tyler Lacy is getting attention as one of the more important under-the-radar pieces on the Lions’ defense.
The appeal is versatility: he can line up as a heavy defensive end, move inside and help set the edge. After two seasons in Jacksonville, Lacy joined Detroit ahead of last season and made four starts for the Lions.
He’s in position for a bigger role now.
There are a few other camp notes worth keeping tabs on. Malcolm Rodriguez left practice early to be evaluated for an ankle injury.
AJ Green is drawing praise at Dolphins camp. And Tanner Brown is still in the kicker battle, going 5-for-6 on the day and 15-for-17 overall in camp.
Brown also drilled a 63-yard field goal.
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