Tag: United States News

You Name It, He’s Done It, from Catches to Yards to TDs to 1st Downs (but Almost No Carries and Few Fumbles) Randy Lange

Aaron Rodgers summed up Davante Adams’ game as only Rodgers can, saying this week that as a new Jet, Adams “brings clout and accolades from somebody who’s been at the zenith of his profession.” Adams also brings a boatload of stats and facts that speak of the impact he’s had on the playing field and can continue to have for however long he wears the green and white.

It sounds as if the newest Jets elite player will be in his new uniform and available to add to some of his metrics when the Jets meet the Steelers on Sunday night. Here is Davante Adams by the numbers:

No. 1

That’s the ranking Adams has when totaling the most receptions and receiving TDs in the NFL’s last X seasons. Let’s set the bar at the last 9 seasons. Davante, who spent the first 6 of those campaigns (2016-21) with Rodgers on the Packers, then the last 2-plus with the Raiders, has 802 catches and 81 TDs in that span, most among the league’s pass catchers at all positions. And his 10,061 receiving yards are No. 2 behind only the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill (10,425).

3-A

Looking at all 11 of Adams’ pro seasons, he and Rodgers connected for 3 touchdown passes twice, in a home loss to Minnesota in November 2020 and in a home win over Tennessee a month later. The TD catches are tied for the most in a game in Adams’ career and tied for 3rd-most (along with many others) for most TD receptions in a game in the last 5 NFL seasons.

3-B

Adams is not a fumbler. In 164 career games, regular season and playoffs, he’s fumbled just 6 times, not once since October ’22, and has lost just 3 fumbles, last time in 2020. Of the 26 WRs with at least 700 catches since 2000, Davante has the 4th-best “sure hands” average at 153.5 receptions/fumble.

3-C

As multitalented as Adams is – “He can play on-the-ball receiver, off-the-ball receiver, slot,” Rodgers ticked off – don’t expect him to be lining up in the backfield or running any end-arounds or reverses. He has just 3 carries in his career, all in 2022 as a Raider, on which he had a long of 4 yards and a total of minus-1 yard rushing.

4

Adams already has 104 touchdown catches in all games as a pro, with 76 of them coming off Rodgers’ right arm. But with 96 regular-season TD grabs (68 of them from A-Rod), he needs just 4 touchdowns this season to reach 100 for his RS career. When he does that, he’ll join only 8 other pass-catchers who reached 100 RS catches in their careers. Adams is poised to join that club along with the Bucs’ Mike Evans, who has 99 TDs.

10

Adams had 10 first downs in a game, in the Packers’ 35-20 win at Houston in 2020. He had 13 catches that day for 196 yards and two TDs, all passes coming from Rodgers. Since 1963, no Jets WR has moved the sticks 10 times in a game, and only one has done it at any position – FB Clark Gaines with 10 (on a team-record 17 receptions) vs. San Francisco in 1980.

14

Adams and Rodgers conspired for 14 receptions, 156 yards and 2 TDs when the Packers defeated the Vikings, 43-34, at Minnesota in 2020. The receptions are a career single-game high in Adams’ career.

38

Adams needs 110 receptions to reach 1,000 for his regular-season career, not likely in his games with the Jets this season. But include his 72 playoff catches and he’s just 38 shy of a grand for his career. He could become the 20th player to reach 1,000 RS and PO catches all-time.

133

Adams’ regular-season personal best for receptions in a season were his 123 with the Packers in 2021. He in fact has 5 100-catch seasons, 4 of them in a row from 2020-23. The Jets, by comparison, have only one 100-catch season in franchise history, the 109 grabs by Brandon Marshall in his remarkable 2015 season.

143

Adams has the 4th-longest active regular-season streak with at least one reception at 134 games and counting. Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins’ 167 games is the active leader, followed by Chiefs TE Travis Kelce at 163 games and Texans WR Stefon Diggs at 142.

206

Adams and Rodgers combined for 11 receptions, 206 yards and 1 TD when the Packers defeated the Bengals, 25-22, at Cincinnati in 2021. The receiving yardage is the most in a game in Adams’ career.

1,000/10,000

Adams already has the 10,000 part of this equation at 10,990 career receiving yards. With the 110 receptions mentioned above, he’ll get to 1,000 and can join one of the NFL’s most exclusive clubs. There are only 12 WRs in the league’s 1,000/10,000 Club.

Clifton Brown

Yannick Ngakoue, who played with the Ravens in 2020, signed with the Baltimore’s practice squad to add more depth to its pass rush.

A former star at the University of Maryland, the 29-year-old Ngakoue has 69 career sacks for six different teams. His most productive seasons were with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 (12 sacks) and the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 (10 sacks).

In October of 2020, the Vikings traded Ngakoue to the Ravens in exchange for a third-round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick. In nine games that season, Ngakoue had three sacks, 11 tackles, and two forced fumbles during the regular season. He became a free agent after the season and signed with the Raiders.

Last season with the Chicago Bears, Ngakoue played and started 13 games with 22 tackles and four sacks.

Ngakoue joins a pass rush room that is ninth in the NFL in sacks (10). Kyle Van Noy is coming off back-to-back games with multiple sacks, and Odafe Oweh had 2.5 sacks in Week 2.

Although Baltimore’s pass rush has been strong so far, Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday there is room for improvement, notably in the fourth quarter.

“We’re rushing the passer well, but we can be a little more consistent in terms of our rush lanes, and some of our games and things like that,” Harbaugh said.

In a corresponding move to signing Ngakoue, the Ravens released outside linebacker Joe Evans from the practice squad.

Clifton Brown

Yannick Ngakoue, who played with the Ravens in 2020, will sign with Baltimore to add more depth to their pass rush, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Ngakoue will be signed to the practice squad, giving him time to ramp up and reacclimate himself, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec.

A former star at the University of Maryland, the 29-year-old Ngakoue has 69 career sacks for six different teams. His most productive seasons were with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 (12 sacks) and the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 (10 sacks).

In October of 2020, the Vikings traded Ngakoue to the Ravens in exchange for a third-round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick. In nine games that season, Ngakoue had three sacks, 11 tackles, and two forced fumbles during the regular season. He became a free agent after the season and signed with the Raiders.

Last season with the Chicago Bears, Ngakoue played and started 13 games with 22 tackles and four sacks.

Ngakoue joins a pass rush room that is ninth in the NFL in sacks (10). Kyle Van Noy is coming off back-to-back games with multiple sacks, and Odafe Oweh had 2.5 sacks in Week 2.

Although Baltimore’s pass rush has been strong so far, Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday there is room for improvement, notably in the fourth quarter.

“We’re rushing the passer well, but we can be a little more consistent in terms of our rush lanes, and some of our games and things like that,” Harbaugh said.

Now, the Ravens reportedly have some reinforcement in Ngakoue.

Sam Thiel

If you were to describe Brian Flores’ defensive scheme in just one word, what would it be?

“Chaotic?” How about “relentless?” Or simply just “indescribable?”

After the Vikings defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy offered another adjective as he shook hands with the Minnesota defensive coordinator at midfield.

“Your scheme is ‘crazy’,” Purdy said.

Whatever you want to call it, Flores’ defense was in attack mode on Sunday. The Vikings blitzed Purdy on more than half of his dropbacks (23 out of 45 total), according to Pro Football Focus. Minnesota also chalked up five sacks, a pair of turnovers and held San Francisco to just 2-for-10 on third down and 1-for-3 on fourth down.

In two games, the Vikings lead the NFL in sacks with 11. Pat Jones II recorded two more sacks on Sunday to bring his season total to four. Blake Cashman led all players with 13 tackles in his first home game in a Vikings uniform.

On the other side of the ball, Sam Darnold led multiple key drives and brought the crowd to its feet with a gorgeous 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson, who crossed the 400-catch and 6,000-yard career threshold with four receptions for 133 yards on the afternoon.

The win moved the Vikings to 2-0 for the first time since 2016. It was also Minnesota’s eighth consecutive victory when hosting the 49ers, a streak that began in 1994.

As a result, Minnesota took another giant step forward in this week’s Power Rankings, with the highest jump being 16 spots. Here’s a look at where the Vikings rank going into Week 3:

No. 15 (up 5 spots): Eric Edholm, NFL.com

This one was a coaching gem. Brian Flores’ defense repeatedly hit Brock Purdy and sacked him five times, requiring him to complete lower-percentage passes just to keep the 49ers in the game. To Purdy’s credit, he did connect on a few. But the Vikings were willing to take their chances because the pressure got home, so the approach paid off. Offensively, [Vikings Head Coach] Kevin O’Connell called a game like a man who trusted his quarterback. The 2024 plan might have been defenestrated when J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury in August, but Sam Darnold is throwing the ball like a confident passer right now. Despite the Vikings losing nearly half their offense by game’s end, Darnold kept firing passes, completing 9 of 11 after halftime for 97 yards and a score, striking a great balance between aggressive and smart.

No. 8 (up 13 spots): NFL Staff, Bleacher Report

When the Sam Darnold-led Vikings rolled the New York Giants in Week 1, no one really batted an eye. After all, the Giants are, um, awful.

However, the San Francisco 49ers are most assuredly not awful – they are the defending NFC Champions. And beating the Niners in Minnesota’s home opener was an eye-opening victory.

Facing one of the NFL’s best defenses, Darnold played one of the best games of his professional career, completing 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards and two scores, including a 97-yarder to star Justin Jefferson. It was a performance that surprised quite a few people – but not Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.

“The amount of work that goes into that position on your quarterback journey when everybody decides that you cannot play – we always believed in him, and awesome to go watch him go do that thing, so really proud of Sam Darnold,” O’Connell told reporters.

[Bleacher Report NFL analyst Kristopher] Knox isn’t slamming purple Kool-Aid just yet. But he admitted the Vikings may just be for real.

“I’m not ready to crown Minnesota as the team to beat in the NFC North, but with a 2-0 record to start the year, it can steal a division title in 2024,” Knox said. “Minnesota’s defense looks better than it was a year ago, and wideout Justin Jefferson is clearly just as effective as he was when healthy last season – and he doesn’t believe his latest injury is serious. Perhaps most importantly, Darnold is playing like a quarterback with whom the Vikings can win. We’ll see if he continues doing so once teams have more film of him operating O’Connell’s offense.”

No. 5 (up 13 spots): Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Sam Darnold is making plays, Brian Flores is doing a great job with the defense and Justin Jefferson is a game-wrecker. Combine that with Kevin O’Connell as head coach, and that’s why they are 2-0.

No. 7 (up 16 spots): Nate Davis, USA Today

[The Vikings] destroyed a bad team in Week 1, then edged an excellent one Sunday. But old friend Danielle Hunter returns to the Twin Cities this weekend, and his Texans are sure to put the Vikes humming Sam Darnold-to-Justin Jefferson connection to the test.

No. 7 (up 7 spots): Josh Kendall, The Athletic

Only Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson have had at least 30 100-yard receiving games in the first five seasons of their career. Jefferson had 133 on Sunday on the strength of a 97-yard touchdown catch, but he left the game with what he called a “little” thigh bruise. Quarterback Sam Darnold is hoping it’s not serious. In another attempt to fulfill the promise that got him drafted No. 3 overall in 2018, Darnold is off to a good start. He’s fifth in the NFL in passer rating (111.8) and ninth in passing yards (476).

No. 9 (up 9 spots): Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated

Though it’s early, the Vikings have a legitimate top-10 passing offense and a defense that has allowed fewer points than only the Steelers, which played the Denver Broncos, and the Chargers, which has played both the Raiders and the Panthers. [Defensive Coordinator] Brian Flores is carving a pathway back to a head coaching chair so far with a pair of memorable performances against great offensive minds.

No. 13 (up 6 spots): Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

The Vikings have an awesome attack playmaking defense under Brian Flores. That has made things easier for an offense in major transition with Sam Darnold at QB and some key injuries developing in the receiver corps. It will be difficult to sustain this, but doing it to the 49ers again made it a lot more legitimate.

No. 11 (up 9 spots): Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports

There aren’t many better coaching staffs in the NFL than the one in Minnesota. [Head Coach] Kevin O’Connell has Sam Darnold playing at a level he never consistently reached before. Brian Flores’ defense held the 49ers to seven points through three quarters. Coaching matters, and that’s why Minnesota is in first place in the NFC North.

Tim Twentyman

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media Wednesday morning and it was a pretty informative session updating some injuries and talking about the matchup Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Rams.

Here are my biggest takeaways from that media session:

1. There’s still a chance we see veteran defensive lineman DJ Reader make his Lions debut Sunday after missing all of training camp rehabbing a quad injury.

“This week was really what we had circled to get him the bulk of true football,” Campbell said. “We had him do some team defense but also run scout team too to go against (center) Frank (Ragnow) and (guard) Graham (Glasgow) and (guard Kevin) Zeitler and just get his confidence up.”

Campbell said they are taking it day-by-day and he’d know a lot more after Thursday’s practice (players are off Wednesday). That would obviously be a big boost to Detroit’s defense if Reader is able to go Sunday night against a patchwork Rams offensive line coming to Detroit.

“He’s doing well,” Campbell said of Reader.

2. Former Lions guard Jonah Jackson signed a big free-agent contract with the Rams in the offseason and will make his first appearance back at Ford Field on Sunday, potentially playing center because of some shuffling the Rams have had to do preparing for this matchup due to suspensions and injuries up front.

Campbell said they’ve had to change a number of calls because of Jackson’s knowledge of Detroit’s offense but it’s nothing they haven’t had to deal with before. Campbell mentioned quarterback David Blough being signed by Minnesota in 2022.

It’s simply changing some language and code words. Campbell said they aren’t going to overthink it.

3. These two teams just played last January but Campbell thinks this is a better version of the Rams coming to town Sunday than the one they saw in the Wild Card game. Even though future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald retired this offseason, Campbell thinks the infusion of young talent there with players like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske makes them younger and collectively hungrier with a very higher motor as a collective group.

Campbell also mentioned the offensive line being better with the addition of Jackson, the secondary being improved and the running back group being better with the addition of Blake Corum to go along with Kyren Williams.

Allen Robinson & Tim Patrick enjoying opportunity in Detroit NOTEBOOK: What’s next for Lions’ top-ranked offense? Lions’ revamped defense to get first test Week 1 vs. Rams

4. Lions first-round pick Terrion Arnold will make his NFL debut Sunday night. Campbell said Arnold is ready to go and is not lacking any confidence. Arnold will also not be limited to just one side of the field, either the boundary side or field side, per Campbell. That will give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn some options between Arnold and veteran outside cornerback Carlton Davis III.

5. Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs talked to the media Tuesday and said he’s ready to go after missing a couple weeks with a hamstring injury.

Campbell made an interesting point about Gibbs’ injury, saying they are encouraging him to motor up to top speed at least once every practice to help avoid injury.

“Here’s the trick with Gibbs,” Campbell said. “And we tell him this. Everyone top to bottom tells him this. When you can run like he runs, I mean this guy can run, if you don’t touch that speed in practice at least once or twice a day you set yourself up for something to happen on Sunday.

“You’re a guy that runs 22 miles per hour you better touch it because the first time you touch it in a game when somebody is coming after you and you’re running away, that’s when bad things happen.”

Campbell said the trick has just been educating Gibbs on that philosophy and making him do that in practice so he doesn’t have a setback. They’ve been doing it ever since he got back.

6. Campbell has been featured recently in an Applebee’s commercial. He said he was reluctant to take part but did enjoy filming the commercial and said his wife Holly and daughter Piper talked him into it.

He said there is more to come on the commercial front but didn’t go into specifics.

7. The Lions moved Brian Branch to safety this year but that’s not the only spot we’ll see the talented second-year defensive back play. Campbell said he likes where Branch is at heading into the season and they expect him to play both safety and nickel in Glenn’s defense.

DallasCowboys.com

Don’t miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys’ regular season. Presented by Blockchain.com

August 19 Trey Lance

#19 QB

Height: 6-4 Weight: 226 lbs College: North Dakota State

10:11 a.m. – While statistics in the preseason can be viewed as overrated, there were a few things on the stat sheet Saturday night that stood out to head coach Mike McCarthy.

When asked about the performance of QB Trey Lance, McCarthy said his ability to lead two separate scoring drives of 13+ plays is “incredible for preseason football.”

Lance led a 14-play, 76-yard drive near the end of the second quarter that resulted in his 1-yard TD pass to Ryan Flournoy.

Later in the fourth quarter, he engineered a 13-play, 88-yard drive, capped off by his own 2-yard touchdown run.

“It just shows you his understanding and confidence, and he just needs to continue to play,” McCarthy said of Lance. “He needs reps. He needs to play in live games particularly in the drop-back phase because he’s doing a very good job managing everything else. So I thought he clearly took a step.”

———————————- August 17 Ryan Flournoy

#18 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs College: Southeast Missouri State

11:12 p.m. – It took a little more than five quarters of action, but the Cowboys offense finally broke through for a touchdown in the preseason on a fade ball from Trey Lance to Ryan Flournoy that saw the rookie pass-catcher beat his man with ease off the line and finish for the score.

“I got the play call, I knew he was thinking slant, so I tried to sell the slant,” Flournoy said. “I saw him jump inside, saw the ball in the air, and it was just a big play from there. God placed me in the right position.”

Flournoy had the ball sitting in his locker right next to his big smile, as the rookie from Southeast Missouri State rides the high of a big moment early in his career.

“It felt surreal,” he said. “Crazy experience. Something I always dreamed of. To have that happen, nothing but God honestly.”

Flournoy said he plans on giving the ball to his mother.

———————————- Mazi Smith

#58 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 337 lbs College: Michigan

10:21 p.m. – The Cowboys had a scary situation before leaving for Las Vegas on Friday when Mazi Smith suffered an allergic reaction that forced him to stay back in Oxnard and miss the game on Saturday.

Head coach Mike McCarthy gave a promising update on Smith’s condition after the game.

“He’s doing much better, today than he was yesterday,” McCarthy said. “We’ll see him in the morning. But I think everything is progressing very well.”

With Smith out for the game, the Cowboys played newly-acquired veteran Jordan Phillips, along with Justin Rogers and Denzel Daxon getting plenty of reps at the nose tackle.

———————————- Deuce Vaughn

#42 RB

Height: 5-6 Weight: 176 lbs College: Kansas State

10:45 a.m. – Going into Saturday night’s preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, there’s an expectation that there will be more chances for the Cowboys’ running backs than there was in the preseason opener.

In the game against the Rams, Cowboys running backs combined for 16 carries for just 47 yards, but with a healthy Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman inserted into the lineup, Mike McCarthy said earlier this week that there will be more food on the table for the group.

“I thought Deuce looked good,” McCarthy said about his return to practice from an injured hamstring. “He had some splash plays. He obviously missed some time but it’s good to have him out there.”

Trey Lance is expected to get the bulk of work at QB once again but will maybe not reach the 41 passing attempt number that he reached last week with more running backs available to carry the load.

———————————- August 16 Mazi Smith

#58 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 337 lbs College: Michigan

7:29 p.m. – Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith’s status for Saturday night’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders is in question after he did not travel with the team on Friday due to an allergic reaction.

Here is the statement on the situation from the Cowboys:

“Mazi Smith experienced an allergic reaction this afternoon at training camp that resulted in him not being able to travel with the team to Las Vegas. He has received treatment and will be reevaluated in the morning with his game status updated accordingly following that.”

Smith saw action in the team’s first preseason game and was expected to get reps once again this weekend.

———————————- August 15 Brandon Aubrey

#17 K

College: Notre Dame

2:13 p.m. – Brandon Aubrey returned to practice on Thursday after missing a couple of days after the birth of his son.

The kicker quickly left the field Sunday after the game against the Rams to catch a flight back to Dallas. Aubrey scored all 12 of the points in the game with four field goals.

He is expected to play against the Raiders Saturday considering he’s the only play-kicker on the roster.

———————————- Earl Bostick Jr.

#64 T

Height: 6-6 Weight: 310 lbs College: Kansas

11:12 a.m. – The Cowboys are sending first-year offensive tackle Earl Bostick back to Dallas, where he will undergo surgery on his fractured leg that he suffered in Wednesday’s practice.

Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the news in Thursday’s press conference. The injury occurred just an hour after the team signed Cohl Cabral for depth after Chuma Edoga’s injury.

Bostick was getting some first-team reps when Tyler Guyton getting a rest when he went down with the injury.

The Cowboys will likely place him on season-ending injured reserve, which opens a roster spot for the team to add Jordan Phillips in a trade with the Giants.

———————————- Albert Huggins

#68 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 305 lbs College: Clemson

11:02 a.m. – Defensive tackle Albert Huggins, who was removed from practice Wednesday after shoving a Rams staff member during a drill, has apologized for his actions, head coach Mike McCarthy said on Thursday.

“His behavior is unacceptable. It’s something that has been addressed,” McCarthy said. “He apologized and I’m comfortable with his apology. When it did happen, we removed him from practice. That’s not what we’re about and he clearly understands that.”

Huggins joined the Cowboys on Aug. 6 after playing four other teams over the last five years. He entered the game in the second quarter in last week’s game with the Rams. However, as a defensive tackle, Huggins plays the position the Cowboys just addressed in a trade to acquire Jordan Phillips.

———————————- August 14 Jordan Phillips

#98 DT

Height: 6-6 Weight: 330 lbs College: Oklahoma

7:12 p.m. – The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to trade for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a 2026 7th-rounder from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 6th-rounder.

Phillips, a 2nd-round pick of the Dolphins in 2015, has 62 career starts and 24 sacks in his nine seasons. He’s been with four different teams, although two different stops in Buffalo. In 2019, his fourth season in Miami, Philips was traded to the Bills. In 2020, he signed with the Cardinals and then eventually went back to Buffalo for two years from 2022-23. Phillips played against the Cowboys this past season in a December game.

In the offseason, Phillips signed with the Giants, who have now dealt him to the Cowboys for future picks.

At 6’6″, 341 pounds, Dallas gets immediate help at 1-Tech, where the team currently has Mazi Smith, Carl Davis and Justin Rogers.

The Cowboys are expected to officially finalize the trade on Thursday and also make a corresponding roster move.

———————————- Damone Clark

#18 LB

Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 lbs College: LSU

1:28 p.m. – The third-year linebacker did not practice on Wednesday against the Rams because of a nagging left knee injury.

Clark did play a few snaps in the game on Sunday in L.A. and is the projected starter at outside linebacker. Ironically, the other outside linebacker – DeMarvion Overshwon was limited in practice with a hip pointer.

That gave extra reps at linebacker for Marist Liafau, Willie Harvey and Nick Vigil.

———————————- Earl Bostick Jr.

#64 T

Height: 6-6 Weight: 310 lbs College: Kansas

12:31 p.m. – Earl Bostick suffered an apparent lower leg/knee injury in the middle of Wednesday’s practice. He was actually filling in for Tyler Guyton at left tackle for a series when he went down and had to be helped off the field and into the medical tent.

The Cowboys have already suffered a significant injury at left tackle with Chuma Edoga (toe) expected to miss two months. Bostick is in his second season with the team after spending last year on the practice squad.

With Bostick down, the Cowboys trying to limit rookie Tyler Guyton and Edoga already out for a while, the team moved Josh Ball from guard out to tackle for the rest of practice. Ball was drafted in the fourth round of 2021 as a tackle but has moved inside over the last two seasons.

———————————- Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

11:00 a.m. – We are off and rolling into the second week of the preseason, and the Dallas Cowboys are tending to some injuries on both sides of the ball in their depth units. Speaking in his availability this morning, head coach Mike McCarthy said that running back Royce Freeman (groin) and tight end Peyton Hendershot (shoulder) are a “maybe” to play in Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

As for inactives, defensive end Shaka Toney (groin) and rookie offensive lineman Nathan Thomas will not go this week. Safety Sheldrick Redwine is expected to work back onto the field this week. Safety Israel Mukuamu (hamstring) is undetermined.

———————————- Marshawn Kneeland

#94 DE

Height: 6-3 Weight: 268 lbs College: Western Michigan

9:48 a.m. – Yet to even play a regular-season game, Marshawn Kneeland is already getting big praise from his teammates, especially one who knows what a great player looks like. Micah Parsons, a three-time Pro Bowler in his first three seasons, isn’t afraid to shell out a rather big compliment after just a few weeks, and one preseason game under his belt.

“I think he’s going to be a great player,” Parsons said. “I’m giving him comps, I think he’s a young Cam Jordan. I think he has the talent and ability. He’s just so hungry every day, willing to learn and he has that dog in him. He has unteachable characteristics.”

Jordan, who has made eight Pro Bowls during his 13-year career with the Saints, has 117.5 career sacks, which is slightly ahead of DeMarcus Ware’s Cowboys record of 117.0 sacks.

That’s how good Jordan has been, and that’s what Parsons thinks Kneeland can be. And the Cowboys don’t exactly disagree, evident by the fact he’s wearing No. 94, a jersey number donned by two of the greatest pass-rushers in team history – Ware and Charles Haley.

———————————- August 13 Brandon Aubrey

#17 K

College: Notre Dame

11:21 a.m. – Kicker Brandon Aubrey was the first one off the field Sunday against the Rams – and for good reason.

After kicking four field goals and accounting for all 12 points in the game at SoFi Stadium, Aubrey ran off to hurry and make a flight back to Dallas to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Aubrey has not returned yet from Dallas but is expected to be back this week for practice.

Aubrey, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro last year in his first season with the Cowboys, is the only kicker not the roster.

———————————- Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

10:51 a.m. – The Cowboys should have their starting quarterback on the field for Tuesday’s practice after missing parts of last week as he rested his right ankle.

Prescott told reporters following Sunday’s game in L.A. that he anticipated doing everything on the field once again Tuesday and should also be in uniform for the joint practice with the Rams on Wednesday.

Prescott was notable absent from a practice on Thursday and wasn’t even in uniform for the game for pre-game warmups like some of the other veterans that didn’t play in the game.

———————————- August 12 Chuma Edoga

#71 G

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: USC

1:21 p.m. – There could be a new starter at left tackle this week when the Cowboys take on the Raiders Saturday night, and most likely int he practices leading up to the game.

Chuma Edoga suffered a foot/toe injury early in Sunday’s game, forcing him to wear a walking boot as he returned to Oxnard that night. The injury also put him out of the lineup earlier than expected. That put Tyler Guyton into the game on the Cowboys’ second series. Guyton actually only played for one series in the first half, but then two more in the third quarter.

Guyton was expected to get more reps all along, seeing that he missed most of last week with an illness. The goal is to get the first-round pick ready to play and start for the Sept. 8 opener in Cleveland.

Other players in the mix to play at left tackle include Earl Bostick and Asim Richards, perhaps with Matt Waletzo getting some reps as well.

As for Edoga, the Cowboys are hopeful he can recover in time to help give the Cowboys both experience and depth on the O-line, with his history of playing both guard and tackle.

———————————- August 11 Jerry Jones

Owner / President / General Manager

1:30 p.m. – Jerry Jones made headlines this past week when asked about the Dallas Cowboys sense of urgency regarding getting a deal done with First-Team All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The owner and general manager clarified his comments just ahead of the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, speaking on the pregame show.

“I think I got in trouble about it the other day when I said, ‘Look, we’re not urgent about CeeDee’,” he said. “Well, no one appreciates CeeDee being on the field any more than I do. I understand completely the angst that’s happening [over] whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee: You’re missed.”

“But let me say this, he wouldn’t be taking a snap out here today if he’d been here. You’ve got to use your head when you expose key players.”

———————————- Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

1:23 p.m. – While there are no official injury reports/designations in the preseason, four players were in street clothes while the rest of the team was warming up before the preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams.

The players include running back Royce Freeman (groin), offensive lineman Nate Thomas (undisclosed), safety Israel Mukuamu (hamstring) and defensive back Sheldrick Redwine (undisclosed). Running back Deuce Vaughn was also not seen on the field during pregame warmups.

———————————- August 9 Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

11:45 a.m. – There was a big no-show during Friday’s walk-through practice as the starting quarterback was not on the field.

And although he will not be playing Sunday against the Rams, his absence was quickly noticed. As it turns out, the Cowboys officials announced that Prescott is dealing with minor ankle soreness that stemmed from Thursday’s joint practice with the Rams.

The Cowboys are describing this as a “precautionary” move for Dak to rest and get extra treatment.

Prescott hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2019 and isn’t expected to play in any of the three games this month. That means Cooper Rush and certainly Trey Lance will play starting this week in Los Angeles.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

3:28 p.m. – In a move that probably sounds more significant than it is, CeeDee Lamb has been moved to a Reserved/Did Not Report list by the Cowboys.

All that does is save a roster spot momentarily for the Cowboys, who made several moves on Tuesday, including adding three players as they continue to have a full roster of 91 players.

The Cowboys could’ve made this move with Lamb at the start of camp but roster spots weren’t as needed then. Now with a few injuries piling up, the need for practice players is higher here in Week 2 of training camp.

Make no mistake, if and when Lamb returns to the Cowboys with a new deal, there will be a roster spot waiting for him.

———————————- August 5 Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

4:21 p.m. – The Cowboys saw another player exit the field on Monday with an injury. This time, it was running back Royce Freeman, who left with an apparent groin injury.

The veteran back participated in the early part of practice before limping off with the a member of the athletic training staff.

Freeman is currently battling for a roster spot at running back with the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, along with other youngsters such as Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn and Snoop Conner.

Last week, head coach Mike McCarthy said Freeman adds depth in multiple areas.

“He does everything well. He’s got very good hands,” said McCarthy. “Has a very high understanding of the game and, also, he has a chance to be one of our primary players on special teams. So, he’s a really good fit for us.”

Freeman is one of three current players battling a groin injury, along with safety Israel Mukuamu and tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

———————————- August 2 Hunter Luepke

#40 RB

Height: 6-1 Weight: 238 lbs College: North Dakota State

3:49 p.m. – Asked to name a few standouts early on from training camp, owner/GM Jerry Jones spouted off a few names that has caught his eye. And while he didn’t actually mention one person by name, he referenced his position. It just so happens that Hunter Luepke is the only fullback on the roster.

“Really like the work that our fullback [Hunter Luepke] is doing,” Jones said. “He’s very instrumental, and of course he’s going to be a big part of this offense and he’s earning it. Mike [McCarthy] loves his versatility, we all do.”

Luepke made the team last year as an undrafted free agent and played in 17 games. He got six carries for 19 yards and a touchdown. He did have an unfortunate moment in the Dec. 24 loss to the Dolphins when he fumbled on the 1-yard line. The Cowboys did not give him another carry the rest of the season but as he comes back for his second year, it appears the club is ready to open the playbook for THE fullback.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

3:16 p.m. – It’s no secret just how influential Jerry Jones was back in 2022 in the drafting of Sam Williams. The second-round pick from Ole Miss was a favorite of Jones early on in the draft process.

So to see him injured in the first week of practice and be out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL was a big loss for Jones.

“Just killed me,” Jones said. “Especially Sam, we need to get our arms around him real good, and we will. For him, no one is impacted the way he is individually. From a team standpoint, it hurts.”

Williams was one of many players Jones mentioned during an impromptu interview on Friday, when he talked about many different topics.

———————————- August 1

5:32 p.m. – After sustaining a lower leg injury, rookie undrafted wide receiver Corey Crooms Jr. was waived by the team on Thursday. The product of the University of Minnesota was having a strong camp before suffering the injury, considering his status with the third team units.

If Crooms clears waivers, he will revert to the Cowboys’ injured reserve.

After the transactions on Thursday that also included two additions to the roster, the team is now full at 91 players.

———————————- July 30 Ryan Flournoy

#18 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs College: Southeast Missouri State

2:51 p.m. -The Dallas Cowboys hit the practice field for the first time in pads on Tuesday morning, but rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy was still off to the side working with the rehab group.

After his press conference on Tuesday morning, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Flournoy is dealing with a knee issue that is keeping him off the field for the first few practices in Oxnard. He will continue to work off to the side until he can return to full health.

In his absence, the competition for the final couple of roster spots at the wide receiver position has been hot with Tyron Billy-Johnson starting camp on a heater, KaVontae Turpin finding some consistency and Jalen Brooks taking another step with each practice that passes. Flournoy will be thrown into that mix when he is healthy enough to return.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

1 p.m. – It is still undetermined when the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb will come to terms on what will be a massive multi-year contract extension, but things are moving toward a resolution as training camp rolls along.

The First-Team All-Pro receiver is currently a holdout as talks continue, but the Cowboys submitted a new offer to Lamb on Friday and received a counteroffer from their record-setting wideout on Sunday evening – per executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones on Tuesday.

“We keep having multiple exchanges with CeeDee,” Jones told 94.1 San Antonio. “He actually sent us something late (Sunday). We continue to grind away on it. I would characterize both negotiations as very cordial and upbeat.

“We’re optimistic we’ll continue to work toward getting something done.”

———————————- July 28 Kemon Hall

#43 DB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 lbs College: North Texas

2:30 p.m. – It was a Sunday swap of cornerbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team parted ways with Gareon Conley after the veteran cornerback notified them of his intent to retire, releasing him and submitting a waiver claim for Kemon Hall, whom the 49ers waived one day prior.

The Cowboys were awarded Hall, who will make his second trip to Dallas after having spent time on the team’s practice squad during the 2020 season.

Hall is a former undrafted free agent signing of the Los Angeles Chargers who played in 16 games as a rookie before finding his way back to the Cowboys to replace the camp depth lost by the move on Conley, and also by the fact Trevon Diggs is currently on the PUP list awaiting his return to the field.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

11:58 a.m. – The Cowboys had a scary situation occur in the middle of Sunday’s practice as pass-rusher Sam Williams went down with an injury and had to be carted off the field.

Williams was participating in a special teams drill with light contact when he abruptly went to the ground in obvious pain. It appears to be a left knee/leg injury but the Cowboys have yet to provide any further details on the injury.

Williams is entering his third season with the team but was expected to have the biggest role of his career so far as the Cowboys let veteran defensive ends Durance Armstrong and Dante Fowler leave in free agency.

In his career, Williams had 4.0 sacks as a rookie in 2022 and then 4.5 sacks in 2023, despite having zero starts. He was the projected starter heading into camp and the Cowboys are hopeful the injury won’t be serious enough to change that.

The Cowboys have an off day on Monday so it’s likely Williams will undergo plenty of test, possibly even an MRI over the next two days.

———————————-

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August 13 Brandon Aubrey

#17 K

College: Notre Dame

11:21 a.m. – Kicker Brandon Aubrey was the first one off the field Sunday against the Rams – and for good reason.

After kicking four field goals and accounting for all 12 points in the game at SoFi Stadium, Aubrey ran off to hurry and make a flight back to Dallas to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Aubrey has not returned yet from Dallas but is expected to be back this week for practice.

Aubrey, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro last year in his first season with the Cowboys, is the only kicker not the roster.

Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

10:51 a.m. – The Cowboys should have their starting quarterback on the field for Tuesday’s practice after missing parts of last week as he rested his right ankle.

Prescott told reporters following Sunday’s game in L.A. that he anticipated doing everything on the field once again Tuesday and should also be in uniform for the joint practice with the Rams on Wednesday.

Prescott was notable absent from a practice on Thursday and wasn’t even in uniform for the game for pre-game warmups like some of the other veterans that didn’t play in the game.

———————————- August 12 Chuma Edoga

#71 G

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: USC

1:21 p.m. – There could be a new starter at left tackle this week when the Cowboys take on the Raiders Saturday night, and most likely int he practices leading up to the game.

Chuma Edoga suffered a foot/toe injury early in Sunday’s game, forcing him to wear a walking boot as he returned to Oxnard that night. The injury also put him out of the lineup earlier than expected. That put Tyler Guyton into the game on the Cowboys’ second series. Guyton actually only played for one series in the first half, but then two more in the third quarter.

Guyton was expected to get more reps all along, seeing that he missed most of last week with an illness. The goal is to get the first-round pick ready to play and start for the Sept. 8 opener in Cleveland.

Other players in the mix to play at left tackle include Earl Bostick and Asim Richards, perhaps with Matt Waletzo getting some reps as well.

As for Edoga, the Cowboys are hopeful he can recover in time to help give the Cowboys both experience and depth on the O-line, with his history of playing both guard and tackle.

———————————- August 11 Jerry Jones

Owner / President / General Manager

1:30 p.m. – Jerry Jones made headlines this past week when asked about the Dallas Cowboys sense of urgency regarding getting a deal done with First-Team All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The owner and general manager clarified his comments just ahead of the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, speaking on the pregame show.

“I think I got in trouble about it the other day when I said, ‘Look, we’re not urgent about CeeDee’,” he said. “Well, no one appreciates CeeDee being on the field any more than I do. I understand completely the angst that’s happening [over] whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee: You’re missed.”

“But let me say this, he wouldn’t be taking a snap out here today if he’d been here. You’ve got to use your head when you expose key players.”

———————————- Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

1:23 p.m. – While there are no official injury reports/designations in the preseason, four players were in street clothes while the rest of the team was warming up before the preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams.

The players include running back Royce Freeman (groin), offensive lineman Nate Thomas (undisclosed), safety Israel Mukuamu (hamstring) and defensive back Sheldrick Redwine (undisclosed). Running back Deuce Vaughn was also not seen on the field during pregame warmups.

———————————- August 9 Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

11:45 a.m. – There was a big no-show during Friday’s walk-through practice as the starting quarterback was not on the field.

And although he will not be playing Sunday against the Rams, his absence was quickly noticed. As it turns out, the Cowboys officials announced that Prescott is dealing with minor ankle soreness that stemmed from Thursday’s joint practice with the Rams.

The Cowboys are describing this as a “precautionary” move for Dak to rest and get extra treatment.

Prescott hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2019 and isn’t expected to play in any of the three games this month. That means Cooper Rush and certainly Trey Lance will play starting this week in Los Angeles.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

3:28 p.m. – In a move that probably sounds more significant than it is, CeeDee Lamb has been moved to a Reserved/Did Not Report list by the Cowboys.

All that does is save a roster spot momentarily for the Cowboys, who made several moves on Tuesday, including adding three players as they continue to have a full roster of 91 players.

The Cowboys could’ve made this move with Lamb at the start of camp but roster spots weren’t as needed then. Now with a few injuries piling up, the need for practice players is higher here in Week 2 of training camp.

Make no mistake, if and when Lamb returns to the Cowboys with a new deal, there will be a roster spot waiting for him.

———————————- August 5 Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

4:21 p.m. – The Cowboys saw another player exit the field on Monday with an injury. This time, it was running back Royce Freeman, who left with an apparent groin injury.

The veteran back participated in the early part of practice before limping off with the a member of the athletic training staff.

Freeman is currently battling for a roster spot at running back with the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, along with other youngsters such as Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn and Snoop Conner.

Last week, head coach Mike McCarthy said Freeman adds depth in multiple areas.

“He does everything well. He’s got very good hands,” said McCarthy. “Has a very high understanding of the game and, also, he has a chance to be one of our primary players on special teams. So, he’s a really good fit for us.”

Freeman is one of three current players battling a groin injury, along with safety Israel Mukuamu and tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

———————————- August 2 Hunter Luepke

#40 RB

Height: 6-1 Weight: 238 lbs College: North Dakota State

3:49 p.m. – Asked to name a few standouts early on from training camp, owner/GM Jerry Jones spouted off a few names that has caught his eye. And while he didn’t actually mention one person by name, he referenced his position. It just so happens that Hunter Luepke is the only fullback on the roster.

“Really like the work that our fullback [Hunter Luepke] is doing,” Jones said. “He’s very instrumental, and of course he’s going to be a big part of this offense and he’s earning it. Mike [McCarthy] loves his versatility, we all do.”

Luepke made the team last year as an undrafted free agent and played in 17 games. He got six carries for 19 yards and a touchdown. He did have an unfortunate moment in the Dec. 24 loss to the Dolphins when he fumbled on the 1-yard line. The Cowboys did not give him another carry the rest of the season but as he comes back for his second year, it appears the club is ready to open the playbook for THE fullback.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

3:16 p.m. – It’s no secret just how influential Jerry Jones was back in 2022 in the drafting of Sam Williams. The second-round pick from Ole Miss was a favorite of Jones early on in the draft process.

So to see him injured in the first week of practice and be out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL was a big loss for Jones.

“Just killed me,” Jones said. “Especially Sam, we need to get our arms around him real good, and we will. For him, no one is impacted the way he is individually. From a team standpoint, it hurts.”

Williams was one of many players Jones mentioned during an impromptu interview on Friday, when he talked about many different topics.

———————————- August 1

5:32 p.m. – After sustaining a lower leg injury, rookie undrafted wide receiver Corey Crooms Jr. was waived by the team on Thursday. The product of the University of Minnesota was having a strong camp before suffering the injury, considering his status with the third team units.

If Crooms clears waivers, he will revert to the Cowboys’ injured reserve.

After the transactions on Thursday that also included two additions to the roster, the team is now full at 91 players.

———————————- July 30 Ryan Flournoy

#18 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs College: Southeast Missouri State

2:51 p.m. -The Dallas Cowboys hit the practice field for the first time in pads on Tuesday morning, but rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy was still off to the side working with the rehab group.

After his press conference on Tuesday morning, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Flournoy is dealing with a knee issue that is keeping him off the field for the first few practices in Oxnard. He will continue to work off to the side until he can return to full health.

In his absence, the competition for the final couple of roster spots at the wide receiver position has been hot with Tyron Billy-Johnson starting camp on a heater, KaVontae Turpin finding some consistency and Jalen Brooks taking another step with each practice that passes. Flournoy will be thrown into that mix when he is healthy enough to return.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

1 p.m. – It is still undetermined when the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb will come to terms on what will be a massive multi-year contract extension, but things are moving toward a resolution as training camp rolls along.

The First-Team All-Pro receiver is currently a holdout as talks continue, but the Cowboys submitted a new offer to Lamb on Friday and received a counteroffer from their record-setting wideout on Sunday evening – per executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones on Tuesday.

“We keep having multiple exchanges with CeeDee,” Jones told 94.1 San Antonio. “He actually sent us something late (Sunday). We continue to grind away on it. I would characterize both negotiations as very cordial and upbeat.

“We’re optimistic we’ll continue to work toward getting something done.”

———————————- July 28 Kemon Hall

#43 DB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 lbs College: North Texas

2:30 p.m. – It was a Sunday swap of cornerbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team parted ways with Gareon Conley after the veteran cornerback notified them of his intent to retire, releasing him and submitting a waiver claim for Kemon Hall, whom the 49ers waived one day prior.

The Cowboys were awarded Hall, who will make his second trip to Dallas after having spent time on the team’s practice squad during the 2020 season.

Hall is a former undrafted free agent signing of the Los Angeles Chargers who played in 16 games as a rookie before finding his way back to the Cowboys to replace the camp depth lost by the move on Conley, and also by the fact Trevon Diggs is currently on the PUP list awaiting his return to the field.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

11:58 a.m. – The Cowboys had a scary situation occur in the middle of Sunday’s practice as pass-rusher Sam Williams went down with an injury and had to be carted off the field.

Williams was participating in a special teams drill with light contact when he abruptly went to the ground in obvious pain. It appears to be a left knee/leg injury but the Cowboys have yet to provide any further details on the injury.

Williams is entering his third season with the team but was expected to have the biggest role of his career so far as the Cowboys let veteran defensive ends Durance Armstrong and Dante Fowler leave in free agency.

In his career, Williams had 4.0 sacks as a rookie in 2022 and then 4.5 sacks in 2023, despite having zero starts. He was the projected starter heading into camp and the Cowboys are hopeful the injury won’t be serious enough to change that.

The Cowboys have an off day on Monday so it’s likely Williams will undergo plenty of test, possibly even an MRI over the next two days.

———————————-

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August 12 Chuma Edoga

#71 G

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: USC

1:21 p.m. – There could be a new starter at left tackle this week when the Cowboys take on the Raiders Saturday night, and most likely int he practices leading up to the game.

Chuma Edoga suffered a foot/toe injury early in Sunday’s game, forcing him to wear a walking boot as he returned to Oxnard that night. The injury also put him out of the lineup earlier than expected. That put Tyler Guyton into the game on the Cowboys’ second series. Guyton actually only played for one series in the first half, but then two more in the third quarter.

Guyton was expected to get more reps all along, seeing that he missed most of last week with an illness. The goal is to get the first-round pick ready to play and start for the Sept. 8 opener in Cleveland.

Other players in the mix to play at left tackle include Earl Bostick and Asim Richards, perhaps with Matt Waletzo getting some reps as well.

As for Edoga, the Cowboys are hopeful he can recover in time to help give the Cowboys both experience and depth on the O-line, with his history of playing both guard and tackle.

———————————- August 11 Jerry Jones

Owner / President / General Manager

1:30 p.m. – Jerry Jones made headlines this past week when asked about the Dallas Cowboys sense of urgency regarding getting a deal done with First-Team All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The owner and general manager clarified his comments just ahead of the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, speaking on the pregame show.

“I think I got in trouble about it the other day when I said, ‘Look, we’re not urgent about CeeDee’,” he said. “Well, no one appreciates CeeDee being on the field any more than I do. I understand completely the angst that’s happening [over] whether you’re missed or not. Well, CeeDee: You’re missed.”

“But let me say this, he wouldn’t be taking a snap out here today if he’d been here. You’ve got to use your head when you expose key players.”

———————————- Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

1:23 p.m. – While there are no official injury reports/designations in the preseason, four players were in street clothes while the rest of the team was warming up before the preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams.

The players include running back Royce Freeman (groin), offensive lineman Nate Thomas (undisclosed), safety Israel Mukuamu (hamstring) and defensive back Sheldrick Redwine (undisclosed). Running back Deuce Vaughn was also not seen on the field during pregame warmups.

———————————- August 9 Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

11:45 a.m. – There was a big no-show during Friday’s walk-through practice as the starting quarterback was not on the field.

And although he will not be playing Sunday against the Rams, his absence was quickly noticed. As it turns out, the Cowboys officials announced that Prescott is dealing with minor ankle soreness that stemmed from Thursday’s joint practice with the Rams.

The Cowboys are describing this as a “precautionary” move for Dak to rest and get extra treatment.

Prescott hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2019 and isn’t expected to play in any of the three games this month. That means Cooper Rush and certainly Trey Lance will play starting this week in Los Angeles.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

3:28 p.m. – In a move that probably sounds more significant than it is, CeeDee Lamb has been moved to a Reserved/Did Not Report list by the Cowboys.

All that does is save a roster spot momentarily for the Cowboys, who made several moves on Tuesday, including adding three players as they continue to have a full roster of 91 players.

The Cowboys could’ve made this move with Lamb at the start of camp but roster spots weren’t as needed then. Now with a few injuries piling up, the need for practice players is higher here in Week 2 of training camp.

Make no mistake, if and when Lamb returns to the Cowboys with a new deal, there will be a roster spot waiting for him.

———————————- August 5 Royce Freeman

#27 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 238 lbs College: Oregon

4:21 p.m. – The Cowboys saw another player exit the field on Monday with an injury. This time, it was running back Royce Freeman, who left with an apparent groin injury.

The veteran back participated in the early part of practice before limping off with the a member of the athletic training staff.

Freeman is currently battling for a roster spot at running back with the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, along with other youngsters such as Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn and Snoop Conner.

Last week, head coach Mike McCarthy said Freeman adds depth in multiple areas.

“He does everything well. He’s got very good hands,” said McCarthy. “Has a very high understanding of the game and, also, he has a chance to be one of our primary players on special teams. So, he’s a really good fit for us.”

Freeman is one of three current players battling a groin injury, along with safety Israel Mukuamu and tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

———————————- August 2 Hunter Luepke

#40 RB

Height: 6-1 Weight: 238 lbs College: North Dakota State

3:49 p.m. – Asked to name a few standouts early on from training camp, owner/GM Jerry Jones spouted off a few names that has caught his eye. And while he didn’t actually mention one person by name, he referenced his position. It just so happens that Hunter Luepke is the only fullback on the roster.

“Really like the work that our fullback [Hunter Luepke] is doing,” Jones said. “He’s very instrumental, and of course he’s going to be a big part of this offense and he’s earning it. Mike [McCarthy] loves his versatility, we all do.”

Luepke made the team last year as an undrafted free agent and played in 17 games. He got six carries for 19 yards and a touchdown. He did have an unfortunate moment in the Dec. 24 loss to the Dolphins when he fumbled on the 1-yard line. The Cowboys did not give him another carry the rest of the season but as he comes back for his second year, it appears the club is ready to open the playbook for THE fullback.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

3:16 p.m. – It’s no secret just how influential Jerry Jones was back in 2022 in the drafting of Sam Williams. The second-round pick from Ole Miss was a favorite of Jones early on in the draft process.

So to see him injured in the first week of practice and be out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL was a big loss for Jones.

“Just killed me,” Jones said. “Especially Sam, we need to get our arms around him real good, and we will. For him, no one is impacted the way he is individually. From a team standpoint, it hurts.”

Williams was one of many players Jones mentioned during an impromptu interview on Friday, when he talked about many different topics.

———————————- August 1

5:32 p.m. – After sustaining a lower leg injury, rookie undrafted wide receiver Corey Crooms Jr. was waived by the team on Thursday. The product of the University of Minnesota was having a strong camp before suffering the injury, considering his status with the third team units.

If Crooms clears waivers, he will revert to the Cowboys’ injured reserve.

After the transactions on Thursday that also included two additions to the roster, the team is now full at 91 players.

———————————- July 30 Ryan Flournoy

#18 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs College: Southeast Missouri State

2:51 p.m. -The Dallas Cowboys hit the practice field for the first time in pads on Tuesday morning, but rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy was still off to the side working with the rehab group.

After his press conference on Tuesday morning, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Flournoy is dealing with a knee issue that is keeping him off the field for the first few practices in Oxnard. He will continue to work off to the side until he can return to full health.

In his absence, the competition for the final couple of roster spots at the wide receiver position has been hot with Tyron Billy-Johnson starting camp on a heater, KaVontae Turpin finding some consistency and Jalen Brooks taking another step with each practice that passes. Flournoy will be thrown into that mix when he is healthy enough to return.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

1 p.m. – It is still undetermined when the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb will come to terms on what will be a massive multi-year contract extension, but things are moving toward a resolution as training camp rolls along.

The First-Team All-Pro receiver is currently a holdout as talks continue, but the Cowboys submitted a new offer to Lamb on Friday and received a counteroffer from their record-setting wideout on Sunday evening – per executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones on Tuesday.

“We keep having multiple exchanges with CeeDee,” Jones told 94.1 San Antonio. “He actually sent us something late (Sunday). We continue to grind away on it. I would characterize both negotiations as very cordial and upbeat.

“We’re optimistic we’ll continue to work toward getting something done.”

———————————- July 28 Kemon Hall

#43 DB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 lbs College: North Texas

2:30 p.m. – It was a Sunday swap of cornerbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team parted ways with Gareon Conley after the veteran cornerback notified them of his intent to retire, releasing him and submitting a waiver claim for Kemon Hall, whom the 49ers waived one day prior.

The Cowboys were awarded Hall, who will make his second trip to Dallas after having spent time on the team’s practice squad during the 2020 season.

Hall is a former undrafted free agent signing of the Los Angeles Chargers who played in 16 games as a rookie before finding his way back to the Cowboys to replace the camp depth lost by the move on Conley, and also by the fact Trevon Diggs is currently on the PUP list awaiting his return to the field.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

11:58 a.m. – The Cowboys had a scary situation occur in the middle of Sunday’s practice as pass-rusher Sam Williams went down with an injury and had to be carted off the field.

Williams was participating in a special teams drill with light contact when he abruptly went to the ground in obvious pain. It appears to be a left knee/leg injury but the Cowboys have yet to provide any further details on the injury.

Williams is entering his third season with the team but was expected to have the biggest role of his career so far as the Cowboys let veteran defensive ends Durance Armstrong and Dante Fowler leave in free agency.

In his career, Williams had 4.0 sacks as a rookie in 2022 and then 4.5 sacks in 2023, despite having zero starts. He was the projected starter heading into camp and the Cowboys are hopeful the injury won’t be serious enough to change that.

The Cowboys have an off day on Monday so it’s likely Williams will undergo plenty of test, possibly even an MRI over the next two days.

———————————-

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Don’t miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys’ regular season. Presented by Blockchain.com

August 1 Corey Crooms

#17 WR

Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 lbs College: Minnesota

5:32 p.m. – After sustaining a lower leg injury, rookie undrafted wide receiver Corey Crooms Jr. was waived by the team on Thursday. The product of the University of Minnesota was having a strong camp before suffering the injury, considering his status with the third team units.

If Crooms clears waivers, he will revert to the Cowboys’ injured reserve.

After the transactions on Thursday that also included two additions to the roster, the team is now full at 91 players.

July 30 Ryan Flournoy

#18 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs College: Southeast Missouri State

2:51 p.m. -The Dallas Cowboys hit the practice field for the first time in pads on Tuesday morning, but rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy was still off to the side working with the rehab group.

After his press conference on Tuesday morning, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Flournoy is dealing with a knee issue that is keeping him off the field for the first few practices in Oxnard. He will continue to work off to the side until he can return to full health.

In his absence, the competition for the final couple of roster spots at the wide receiver position has been hot with Tyron Billy-Johnson starting camp on a heater, KaVontae Turpin finding some consistency and Jalen Brooks taking another step with each practice that passes. Flournoy will be thrown into that mix when he is healthy enough to return.

———————————- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Oklahoma

1 p.m. – It is still undetermined when the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb will come to terms on what will be a massive multi-year contract extension, but things are moving toward a resolution as training camp rolls along.

The First-Team All-Pro receiver is currently a holdout as talks continue, but the Cowboys submitted a new offer to Lamb on Friday and received a counteroffer from their record-setting wideout on Sunday evening – per executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones on Tuesday.

“We keep having multiple exchanges with CeeDee,” Jones told 94.1 San Antonio. “He actually sent us something late (Sunday). We continue to grind away on it. I would characterize both negotiations as very cordial and upbeat.

“We’re optimistic we’ll continue to work toward getting something done.”

———————————- July 28 Kemon Hall

# DB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 lbs College: North Texas

2:30 p.m. – It was a Sunday swap of cornerbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team parted ways with Gareon Conley after the veteran cornerback notified them of his intent to retire, releasing him and submitting a waiver claim for Kemon Hall, whom the 49ers waived one day prior.

The Cowboys were awarded Hall, who will make his second trip to Dallas after having spent time on the team’s practice squad during the 2020 season.

Hall is a former undrafted free agent signing of the Los Angeles Chargers who played in 16 games as a rookie before finding his way back to the Cowboys to replace the camp depth lost by the move on Conley, and also by the fact Trevon Diggs is currently on the PUP list awaiting his return to the field.

———————————- Sam Williams

#54 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 261 lbs College: Mississippi

11:58 a.m. – The Cowboys had a scary situation occur in the middle of Sunday’s practice as pass-rusher Sam Williams went down with an injury and had to be carted off the field.

Williams was participating in a special teams drill with light contact when he abruptly went to the ground in obvious pain. It appears to be a left knee/leg injury but the Cowboys have yet to provide any further details on the injury.

Williams is entering his third season with the team but was expected to have the biggest role of his career so far as the Cowboys let veteran defensive ends Durance Armstrong and Dante Fowler leave in free agency.

In his career, Williams had 4.0 sacks as a rookie in 2022 and then 4.5 sacks in 2023, despite having zero starts. He was the projected starter heading into camp and the Cowboys are hopeful the injury won’t be serious enough to change that.

The Cowboys have an off day on Monday so it’s likely Williams will undergo plenty of test, possibly even an MRI over the next two days.

———————————-

Which Packers game would you like to relive in person?  Wes Hodkiewicz

In which stadium(s) have you seen a Packers game and what was the final result? (Dan from Tallahassee, FL)

Daniel from Huntersville, NC

I’ve been blessed to have been at a few memorable ones. In Denver, at Mile High on the Brett Favre-to-Greg Jennings overtime winner; AT&T Stadium for the epic Matt Flynn comeback game (later in the day I proposed to my wife – a Cowboys fan, luckily, she still said yes); and finally, Lambeau Field in 2023 in Christian Watson’s three-TD coming out party against the Cowboys.

Joshua from Houston, TX

As a Texan, I’ve only been to two games, both in Texas. In high school, I saw Favre lead a game-winning FG drive against the Texans to win 16-13 in 2004. I also went to the infamous comeback game by Flynn as a one-year anniversary gift from my wife in 2013. It was a rough first half, but now my in-laws (Cowboys fans) say that she isn’t allowed to pray against the Cowboys after that comeback.

Caleb from Bloomington, IN

I’ve only been to two games, but they were incredible. The first was the opener against the Bears in 2018. You could feel the air go out of the stadium when Rodgers went down, but it was electric when he came walking back out after halftime! The feeling when Randall Cobb caught that pass and turned up field was unforgettable! The second was the crazy overtime game in Cincinnati in 2021 with my future wife! Hearing each fan base hold its breath and cheer at the opponent’s missed FG was peak football drama. (Editor’s note: Man, there’s a lot of love at these Packers games.)

Mike from Palm Coast, FL

I saw my first Packers game at County Stadium in Milwaukee. Many more at Lambeau. After moving to Texas, I saw quite a few at Texas Stadium vs. the Cowboys. Unfortunately, the Cowboys were in the middle of their Super Bowl run. I have since moved to Florida and have seen the Pack play in all three Florida stadiums with winning results. Best moment was Favre to Sterling Sharpe for a TD.

Sam from Greendale, WI

My only non-Lambeau game was at TCF Bank when the Vikings were waiting on their new stadium. The Packers beat the Vikings 24-21 and we chanted “GO PACK GO!” all the way out of the stadium, much to the chagrin of the locals.

Matt from Bloomington, IN

I attended the freezing 26-26 tie at Lambeau Field in 2013 against the Vikings. I wonder what percentage of fans have seen a tie game in person.

Ken from Mountain Iron, MN

I attended my first Packers game in Nov. 1952 vs. NY Giants at the Polo Grounds. Of course, the Pack won and gained a lifetime fan. Thankfully that awful stadium was torn down in ’64.

Brian from Twain Harte, CA

(1) 1968 at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park; a GB loss. In 1997, I saw Pack play a preseason game at the Oakland Coliseum, a win. I stayed at the Berkeley Marriott and was on the same floor as the Packers. I talked with numerous players the night before the game, including Favre and Mark Chmura. (3) In January 1999, I saw the 49ers beat GB in the playoffs at Candlestick. (4) I saw GB beat the Pats in overtime at Lambeau in 2022.

Duwayne from Horicon, WI

I went to the Metrodome to see the Packers play the Vikings. Reggie White and Sean Jones collided in the backfield and took each other out of the game. Brett Favre broke his ankle. Ty Detmer broke his thumb on his throwing hand. T.J. Rubley audibled to a pass, and it was intercepted to seal a Viking victory. All he needed to do was QB sneak and kick the winning field goal. He was cut the next day.

Patrick from Ashland, WI

I was at exactly two Packers games in the Metrodome. First one, the Herschel Walker game. He had just been traded there and he trampled us, even on kickoffs, and we lost. The next and thankfully last one was the Rubley game. Favre got hurt, Detmer got hurt, and Rubley audibled against Holmgren’s wishes and threw a pick, leading to another Packers loss. “Minnesota Nice” doesn’t apply to those fans after a Packers game.

Blake from Eden Prairie, MN

U.S. Bank Stadium for the opener on Sept. 8, 2016. Ridiculous cost for a nosebleed seat a half mile up in the clouds. It was the most miserable NFL game experience of my life, thanks to eight or 10 highly inebriated male Vikings fans who stood up throughout 95% of the entire game, blocking our view of the field, and sharing single finger salutes and colorful language. Our seats were above the video boards, so they were blocked from view, as well. I’m sticking with Lambeau from now on!

Dennis from Parrish, FL

My first NFL game ever was on Dec. 18, 1983, in Chicago. Official temperature was 1-degree Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of minus-17. It was COLD! Twenty years later, on September 21, 2003, I attended the hottest Packers game all time in Tempe, at 102! It was HOT! Now living in Florida, I have seen them in ALL three stadiums! I also attended the last six games the Packers played in Milwaukee while living in the Chicago suburbs.

Mike from Winchester, TN

I’ve only seen them play live one time. On Nov. 29, 1999, my friend, who is a 49ers fan, invited me to see the Packers vs. Niners at Candlestick Park. He wore his 49ers gear, and I wore my Packers gear. Favre and the Packers won 20-3. After the game we walked past a group of Niners fans tailgating in the lot. They started talking smack to me which I replied: “I have Niner gear too, I’m just embarrassed to wear it.” They all laughed and invited us to have a beer.

Eric from Omaha, NE

On Dec. 18, 2011, my family attended the Chiefs/Packers game at Arrowhead Stadium wearing our Packers attire. The Packers were undefeated, and the Chiefs were 5-8 with an interim coach, Romeo Crennel. Unfortunately, the Chiefs shut down the Packers, 19-14. As we were leaving our seats with a couple minutes left on the clock, a happy Chiefs fan spouted off, “Hey, where you going?” I responded, “To the playoffs!” His smirk quickly changed to a frown as he nodded in agreement. Great stadium.

Randy from McDonald (formerly Ooltewah), TN

I have been to Packers games at several NFL stadiums (in addition to 10 at Lambeau Field and two at County Stadium). I have seen them in Minnesota (L), Detroit (L), Charlotte (W), New Orleans (L), Baltimore (W), Atlanta (L), Cleveland (W), and Foxboro (L). Just 3-5 on the road, but a 9-3 home record puts me at 12-8 when seeing them in person. Hoping to add a (W) in Nashville this year.

Brandon from Billings, MT

At the Metrodome, Packers vs. Vikings, the 2013 win that Cordarrelle Patterson returned the opening kickoff for six. At Lambeau, the Packers vs. Falcons, the 2013 Flynn win. At U.S. Bank Stadium, the Packers vs. Vikings in the 2017 loss and the 2021 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium (Jordan Love’s first start). There’s a common theme here: three out of four games I attended to see Aaron Rodgers play resulted in two broken collarbones and a case of COVID. I’ve decided it’s for the best of the franchise if I just watch on TV.

Edward from Canton, SD

Hi Wes! l have a “longest” that I think few fans will remember. Sometime during Brett Favre’s prime the Pack played at Denver on MNF. l believe it was in the fourth quarter, Denver had a 20-17 lead and punted and downed the ball on our 1-yard line. We drove down the field, but were stopped by Denver, and chose to kick the FG to tie the game. The game went to OT, the Packers won the toss and received. On the first play, Favre found Jennings deep and TD! Game over! So, “Longest drive without scoring touchdown, 98 yards.”

George from Edinburg, VA

My Jacksonville friend was excited for new Jaguars tickets in 1995. I held a sign about missing Sterling Sharpe. Favre and the Pack won. I saw the same result at RFK with T-bone and friends, on free tickets from our season-ticket holder bar owner. I sweated with my new wife against the Lions at Lambeau when John Kuhn ran out the end. Sadly, my son and I saw our first loss in the rain at FedEx. I most enjoyed meeting Vic, Mike, Wayne, Nick, and Mark at D.C

Jon from Hampshire, IL

Two away games I’ve attended remind me how good we have it now as GBP fans. The first was vs. the Falcons at old Fulton County Stadium in 1988. Both teams were 2-7 coming in, and the on-field action was reflective. A 20-0 loss with seven turnovers by the good guys. My buddy and I got on TV in the fourth quarter as “sad visitors.” The second was vs. Eagles at the Vet in 1990. Majik Man was injured and Anthony Dilweg and Blair Kiel were no match for Randall Cunningham (or Reggie White). A 31-0 loss and Eagles faithful had no pity on us.

Bruce from Fort Myers, FL

The Packers game I attended outside of Lambeau that truly blew my mind was the December 1997 game in Tampa against the Bucs. Green Bay won 17-6 and clinched the division, but the coolest part was the 30,000 Packers fans that absolutely took over the game. Trent Dilfer complained after the game that the crowd noise from the opposing fans really bothered him. The Bucs changed their ticket policy after the season to try to prevent it from happening again!

Dan from Tallahassee, FL

Hi Wes, Lambeau. In the 1960s, season tickets, row 1, in the kids section. Unlike Bob Uecker, I really was in the front row. Wins, losses, maybe a tie. Lambeau. Dec 31, 1967, got kind of cold that day. Packers win. Soldier Field on Dec 10, 1978. Went with some college buddies. Packers loss. Georgia Dome. Oct 4, 1992. Brought my parents and sat in my employer’s suite on the 50-yard line. Looked over and saw a Falcons minority owner sitting in his suite on the 35-yard line. Felt kind of special. Packers loss. Raymond James. Sep 28, 2008. Sitting so high I was looking down on the top of the scoreboard. Packers loss.

If you could sit in the stands and relive an old Packers game, which one would you pick and why? (Ferdinand from Woodbury, MN)

Carl from Dewitt, MI

I would love to watch last year’s Thanksgiving game against Detroit. My whole family is Lions fans and that was the best turkey dinner ever. Second would be the Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary in Detroit. My brother was overseas for business. Boy, was he giving it to me and then the pass was completed. Nothing but crickets. Thanks for all you guys do.

Gregg from Arlington Heights, IL

We would relive our first Lambeau experience, the 2003 Denver game. Our day included anticipation, parking at 9 a.m. for the 3 p.m. game, Skip’s, Billy the tailgater, Favre’s, Saint Vince, Beads, Billy’s friends, touchdowns, and after Poole’s catch, watching the jubilation flow down from the skyboxes to the players on the field and joining in on the fun, polite security, new tailgating buddies, street dancing, Fuzzy’s, Ziggey’s leftovers and wishing our day would never end. (Editor’s note: I miss Skip’s.)

David from Janesville, WI

It may be a boring answer, but if I could sit and relive an old Packers game, I would just love to see one random game from the Lambeau, Lombardi and Starr eras. See Hagemeister Park where they are passing the hat. City Stadium roaring on a Paul Hornung sweep or Lynn Dickey to James Lofton for a TD.

Steve from Seven Devils, NC

The New York Giants’ first regular-season game at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT on Oct. 7, 1973, against Green Bay. Despite a sellout crowd of 70,050, it was just more than 1,000 off the Giants’ best crowd at Yankee Stadium. Only six arrests were made (two for intoxication). It was the first time beer was sold legally at the Yale Bowl. All tickets were priced at $8. Green Bay won 16-14 with Chester Marcol kicking a 32-yard FG with seconds left for the win.

Gardner from Circle Pines, MN

Sept. 24, 1978: Packers vs. Chargers in San Diego. My first Packers game. Willie Buchanon intercepted four passes in a 24-3 win over the Bolts. I was in heaven as I witnessed Buchanon enter the record books for most INTs in a game. The next day the Chargers fired Tommy Prothro and hired Don Coryell who then installed Dan Fouts as his QB. Chargers fans have been grateful for that loss ever since.

Wally from Tigerton, WI

The NFC Championship Game vs. the Panthers. It was cold but the atmosphere was amazing and when the game was decided and the first trip to the Super Bowl in 29 years was secured. Longtime ticket holders were crying tears of happiness! Best game in many years. Close second was the Sunday night Bears games where AR12 had the six TD passes. Some of the Bears fans around us left late first quarter and never came back.

Tyler from Green Bay, WI

Really tough to pick, but it is probably at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Chortle, chortle… (Editor’s note: Well played.)

Bret from Hertel, WI

I would sit behind my dad and the grandfather I never met at game one of the 1942 season, Packers vs. Bears. The game was great for the Packers for three quarters. Don Hutson’s greatest season was in 1942. He gave the Packers the lead in the third quarter with his second TD.

Hank from Centennial, CO

I’d be seated next to an old friend, the late, great Bronco Dean Lindoerfer, in his end-zone season ticket seats at Mile High in Denver, when Favre completed an 82-yard bomb to Jennings to win the game on the first play in overtime. Jennings would have been running right at us as he caught that perfectly thrown ball.

Gavin from Albuquerque, NM

The Packers game from history I would love to sit in the stands and relive is the one, the only, The Ice Bowl. Two reasons why: First, the history. I have a minor in history and would love to watch that game in person. Two, my wife is a Cowboys fan.

Bob from Pocatello, ID

I would love to relive the 2018 opener against the Bears. I was in the stands with my daughter. Truly obnoxious Bears fans right behind us. Khalil Mack was a game-wrecker in his Chicago debut. Rodgers goes down in the first half. Lowest of lows. He trots out early in the third. And then — magic. Biggest fourth-quarter comeback in Packers history. Highest of highs.

Donna from Darien, WI

It would have to be the 2018 season opener against the Bears. I watched it on television and couldn’t believe the comeback I was watching. My nephew was actually at that game but left early because he had a long drive home to get to work in the morning. The playoff game would be when they beat Chicago in January 2011 to reach the Super Bowl. The memories of being a Packer fan sure are rich!

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

The Packers at Oakland Raiders after Favre’s father passed away. I get goosebumps anytime I watch highlights of that game!

Mike from Granite City, IL

I would want to relive the game I saw at Milwaukee County Stadium. It was against the expansion Atlanta Falcons. I was only 13 or 14 years old, and the Packers won 23-0. My conditions would be to watch it as an older person and have better seats. Vince Lombardi was in his last year as the HC in GB.

Mark from Bettendorf, IA

The 1996 NFC Championship for obvious reasons. My fandom started in 1972. It was my first taste of success as a Packers fan. I turned down a ticket to the game and have regretted it ever since.

Rod from Eau Claire, WI

I suspect the Ice Bowl is the obvious answer, but I’ve lived through enough Wisconsin winters to rethink that one. I think the Packers-Raiders game the week Brett’s father passed away would be a special game to experience in person.

Stefan from Rock Island, IL

The 2014 regular-season matchup with the Patriots at Lambeau. It was one of the few opportunities for Packers fans to see Rodgers vs a “GOAT-caliber” QB. We missed other AR12 vs. TB12 opportunities, and never got a Rodgers-Patrick Mahomes duel. This was also an exceptionally clean game. My memory suggested no penalties, but the box score had four per team for 47 yards total in the game.

Marcus from Midvale, UT

I think I’d have to choose the game between Green Bay and the Patriots in 2014. A classic game that went down to the wire. A true duel between two great quarterbacks, two great coaches and two historic teams. I was hoping for a rematch in the Super Bowl, but we won’t talk about that. (Editor’s note: This would have been my answer. To this day, it’s the best football game I’ve watched as it relates to strategy and performance.)

Levi Edwards

Ahead of 2024 Training Camp, Raiders.com is previewing each position group and evaluating the players that could make up the 53-man roster. We now turn our attention to the running backs room.

New players

Dylan Laube, Alexander Mattison

With these two additions to the Raiders backfield, it seems clear pass-catching abilities will be coveted among the group.

Alexander Mattison was one of the team’s flashier free agent signings after emerging as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting running back in 2023. Over his five seasons with the Vikings, his role was largely defined as a reliable backup to Dalvin Cook, but made the most of his opportunities when called upon. He rushed for a career-high 700 yards on 180 attempts after taking over as the starter full-time. Along with his rushing prowess, he has two seasons of over 30 receptions, including a career-high three receiving touchdowns last season.

“Downhill, fast and physical. That’s my mindset,” Mattison said. “I just hope that I can be of value in pass protection, catching the ball out the backfield and definitely in the run game as well. I just like to try and be as versatile as I can, be a smart player and play downhill, fast, and physical.”

The Silver and Black added another versatile piece with Dylan Laube, who led the FCS in total scrimmage yards the past two seasons. To go along with his 29 career collegiate rushing touchdowns, he totaled 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdown grabs in his last two seasons at New Hampshire. Athleticism or level of competition in college shouldn’t be a concern for the rookie either. At the NFL Combine, he was the top running back in 20-yard shuttle (4.02 seconds), second in the 10-yard split (1.52 seconds), third in 3-cone drill (6.84 seconds) and ran a 4.54 40-yard dash.

“I think kind of his best thing that he brings each and every day, he is wise beyond his years,” running backs coach Cadillac Williams said. “I mean, he shows up like a vet, but he’s a rookie. He has his worker hat on and brings it each and every day, and he can take what he learns from the classroom and apply it on the field. He’ll always be in the right spots, got really good hands, quick, explosive. Just a very cerebral player, man that can do a lot, a lot of things if you line him up.”

Returning players

Ameer Abdullah, Brittain Brown, Sincere McCormick, Zamir White

As Zamir White enters his third season, there’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

White won’t be alone in the backfield by any means, but he’s expected to take a much larger role in the offense. However, it’s not a role that’s brand new to White as he ranked as the top running back prospect in the nation coming out of high school and went on to win a national championship at Georgia. Following two years of backing up Josh Jacobs, he could earn himself the workhorse running back title.

Though there is a small sample size of production from White in 2023, there’s reason to be optimistic.He averaged close to 100 rushing yards a game in his four starts and totaled 334 rushing yards after contact last season.

“Raw, but got a chance to be really good,” Williams said of the 24-year-old. “Big, physical, strong, quick, can do a lot of things that again you don’t have to coach. The potential there is incredible. I think just a young man that’s got to continue to hone in on the little things and continue to define his skills, but just with time and him trusting the process, trusting himself and us coaches putting him in the right position to be successful, he is going to flourish.”

Ameer Abdullah, along with Mattison, can aid with White’s workload in the backfield. Abdullah is an ultimate leader and veteran of the unit, going into his 10th NFL season. In his two years with Las Vegas, he’s found a place on special teams and third-down situations, racking up 451 total scrimmage yards and 20 total tackles in that span.

Brittain Brown will have an opportunity to re-establish himself after injury forced him out the entirety of the 2023 season. He appeared in six games his rookie season after rushing for seven touchdowns during his senior season at UCLA.

Sincere McCormick, a former UTSA standout, will also battle for a place on the roster after spending the last two seasons on injured reserve or the practice squad. The two-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year scored two total touchdowns in the 2023 preseason.

Briana McDonald

Each week leading up to the start of training camp, 49ers.com will assess the team’s roster as we get closer to the season. In this installment of the 2024 roster breakdown, we will take a closer look at the defensive line and assess the recent changes to the unit.

Previous Installments: Quarterbacks | Offensive Line

The 49ers spent a majority of their free agency efforts reconstructing their defensive line, and San Francisco’s front four will have a new look in the upcoming season.

The departures of defensive linemen Arik Armstead, Chase Young, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw and Sebastian Joseph-Day also came with the signings of four new players at the beginning of the new league year. The team agreed to deals with Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jordan Elliott and acquired Maliek Collins in a trade with the Houston Texans.

Additionally, the team re-signed five-year veteran Kevin Givens to help reinforce the defensive line.

“The guys that were available, we competed hard to get them,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said at the NFL Annual League Meeting. “Maliek, when he became available for that seventh-round pick, we thought that was huge. Yetur getting on the edge, Floyd on the edge, all the size in the middle, we feel real good about this group. We had a bunch of one-year guys and we knew we had to add a number of others… But when it was all said and done, we thought we’ve got a good group and (defensive line coach Kris Kocurek) is really excited about these guys.”

San Francisco’s D-line will enter the 2024 season ranked as the second-best unit in the league according to Pro Football Focus. Despite the position group’s restructure over the offseason, PFF placed the 49ers defensive front just one spot behind the New York Jets, stating that “the star power from this (49ers) defensive line is too good to ignore.”

Position Breakdown Evan Anderson – 1st Season Alex Barrett – 8th Season Robert Beal Jr. – 2nd Season Nick Bosa – 6th Season Shakel Brown – 2nd Season Austin Bryant – 6th Season Maliek Collins – 9th Season Kalia Davis – 3rd Season Jordan Elliott – 5th Season Leonard Floyd – 9th Season Kevin Givens – 6th Season Yetur Gross-Matos – 5th Season Javon Hargrave – 9th Season Drake Jackson – 3rd Season T.Y. McGill – 10th Season Sam Okuayinonu – 3rd Season Defensive Line Breakdown Evan Anderson

#66 DL

Height: 6-3 Weight: 326 lbs College: Florida Atlantic

Anderson joins the 49ers as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2024 season.

The defensive lineman appeared in 39 games over four seasons at Florida Atlantic (2020-23), registering 145 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, two passes defended and three fumble recoveries. Last season, Anderson appeared in 12 games and registered 57 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass defended and one forced fumble, earning Third-Team All-AAC honors.

Alex Barrett

#58 DL

Height: 6-2 Weight: 250 lbs College: San Diego State

Barrett is entering his eighth season in the NFL, and his sixth season with the 49ers. The defensive lineman originally entered the NFL by signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2017.

Barrett joined the 49ers practice squad during the 2019 season and saw his most action as a regular-season contributor in 2020. That season, he played in seven games, notching five tackles and two quarterback hits.

Robert Beal Jr.

#51 DL

Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 lbs College: Georgia

Beal Jr. is entering his second year in the NFL after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the 49ers.

During his first season in The Bay, Beal Jr. recorded five total tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one QB hit and 1.0 sack.

Nick Bosa

#97 DL

Height: 6-4 Weight: 266 lbs College: Ohio State

Bosa is entering his sixth season in the NFL, originally drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the 49ers. Throughout his five years in the league, the defensive lineman has earned four Pro Bowl selections, an AP First-Team All-Pro honor, was named the 2022 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and also received the 2019 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2023, Bosa racked up 53 total tackles (16 tackles-for-loss), 10.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hits, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

“Nick is a special talent, everybody knows that,” 49ers president of football operations and general manager John Lynch said. “You just turn on the tape, and the guy was made to play D-line. The way he moves, his hand use, how technical of a player he is, his athleticism, the ground he gains on his first steps, the quickness with the strength, the power and the speed, he’s got it all.”

Shakel Brown

#60 DL

Height: 6-3 Weight: 295 lbs College: Troy

Brown is entering his second season in the NFL, and his first season with the 49ers. The defensive lineman originally entered the NFL after signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

The 49ers signed Brown to a one-year deal in May.

Austin Bryant

#40 DL

Height: 6-5 Weight: 250 lbs College: Clemson

Bryant is entering his sixth year in the NFL, and his second with the 49ers. The defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Throughout his four-year career with the Lions (2019-22), he has appeared in 33 games recording 65 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 11 QB hits and 4.5 sacks. During the 2023 season, Bryant appeared in two games with the 49ers.

Maliek Collins

#99 DL

Height: 6-2 Weight: 310 lbs College: Nebraska

Collins is entering his ninth season in the NFL, and his first season with the 49ers. The defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. San Francisco acquired Collins from the Texans in exchange for the first of the team’s two 2024 seventh-round draft picks.

Throughout his eight-year career with the Cowboys (2016-19), Las Vegas Raiders (2020) and Houston Texans (2021-23), he has appeared in 119 games (112 starts) and registered 206 tackles, 46 tackles-for-loss, 25.5 sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and six fumble recoveries. He has also started in five postseason contests and added eight tackles and 1.0 sack. In 2023 with Houston, Collins started all 16 games he appeared in and registered 41 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks and one pass defensed. His 41 tackles marked a career high, while his 5.0 sacks tied his career high.

Kalia Davis

#93 DL

Height: 6-2 Weight: 310 lbs College: Central Florida

Davis was the second of three sixth-round picks (220th overall) selected by the 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

After suffering a torn ACL in 2021, the defensive lineman spent the majority of his rookie season on the team’s Non-Football Injury List. During the 2023 season, Davis made three game appearances notching 1.0 sack.

Jordan Elliott

#92 DL

Height: 6-4 Weight: 303 lbs College: Missouri

Elliott is entering his fifth year in the NFL, and his first with the 49ers. The defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Throughout his four-year career with the Browns, he has appeared in 66 games (35 starts) and registered 98 tackles, 5.0 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss and four passes defended. He has also appeared in three postseason contests with Cleveland, tallying two tackles and one pass defended. In 2023, Elliott appeared in 17 games registering 21 tackles, a career-high 2.5 sacks, three tackles-for-loss and one pass defended.

Leonard Floyd

#56 DL

Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 lbs College: Georgia

Floyd is entering his ninth year in the NFL, and his first with the 49ers. The defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Throughout his eight-year career with the Bears (2016-19), Los Angeles Rams (2020-22) and Buffalo Bills (2023), he has appeared in 121 games (120 starts) and registered 370 tackles, 58.0 sacks, 63 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, 14 passes defended, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He has also started in nine postseason contests and tallied 24 tackles, 5.0 sacks, five tackles-for-loss and one pass defended.

In 2023, Floyd appeared in 17 games for the Bills and registered 32 tackles, 10.5 sacks, nine tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one pass defended. His 10.5 sacks tied his career high.

“Floyd has efficiently registered 39.5 sacks since 2020, with at least nine each season,” NFL analyst Bucky Brooks said. “Playing opposite Nick Bosa, the ninth-year pro should feast on one-on-one chances in obvious passing downs, resulting in more splash plays (sacks, tackles for loss and turnovers) for a defense that routinely plays at an elite level.”

Kevin Givens

#90 DL

Height: 6-1 Weight: 285 lbs College: Penn State

Givens originally entered the NFL after signing as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 2019.

Over his five seasons with San Francisco, Givens has played in 57 games (13 starts) and added 79 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He has also appeared in nine postseason games and tallied 12 tackles, one pass defended and two QB hits.

The 49ers re-signed Givens to a one-year deal in March.

Yetur Gross-Matos

#94 DL

Height: 6-5 Weight: 265 lbs College: Penn State

Gross-Matos is entering his fifth year in the NFL, and his first with the 49ers. The defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Throughout his four-year career with the Panthers, he has appeared in 55 games (32 starts) and registered 142 tackles, 13.0 sacks, 19 tackles-for-loss, one pass defended, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. In 2023, Gross-Matos appeared in 12 games for the Panthers and registered 36 tackles, a career-high 4.5 sacks and seven tackles-for-loss.

Javon Hargrave

#98 DL

Height: 6-2 Weight: 305 lbs College: South Carolina State

Hargrave was a newcomer to the 49ers last season after signing with the team in free agency, and he made an immediate impact on the interior of San Francisco’s D-line. Hargrave was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Throughout his eight-year NFL career with the Steelers (2016-19), Philadelphia Eagles (2020-22) and 49ers (2023) the defensive lineman has appeared in 127 games (112 starts) and registered 373 tackles, 44.5 sacks, eight passes defended, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Hargrave has also appeared in 11 postseason contests and added 32 tackles, 4.0 sacks and five QB hits.

Additionally, Hargrave is a two-time Pro Bowl recipient (2021, 2023).

“We think of him as one of the best interior guys in the league,” Bosa said. “Especially rushing the passer. To have him on our side is a huge addition for us.”

Drake Jackson

#95 DL

Height: 6-4 Weight: 273 lbs College: Southern California

Jackson is entering third season in the NFL, originally drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the 49ers.

Throughout his two years in the league, the defensive lineman has appeared in 23 games recording 21 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one interception, nine passes defended, 6.0 sacks and nine QB hits.

T.Y. McGill

#96 DL

Height: 6-0 Weight: 295 lbs College: N.C. State

McGill originally entered the NFL after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2015. Throughout his nine-year NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts (2015-2016), Cleveland Browns (2017), Philadelphia Eagles (2018, 2020), Los Angeles Chargers (2018-19), Minnesota Vikings (2021) and 49ers (2022-2023), he has appeared in 57 games and registered 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He has also appeared in four postseason contests where he tallied three tackles.

In October of 2022, McGill signed with San Francisco and spent the remainder of the season between the practice squad and active roster, appearing in nine games and registering eight tackles. McGill also appeared in all three postseason games where he added two tackles. In February, McGill re-signed with the 49ers.

Sam Okuayinonu

#67 DL

Height: 6-1 Weight: 269 lbs College: Maryland

Okuayinonu is entering his third year in the NFL, and his second with the 49ers. The defensive lineman originally entered the NFL after signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Throughout his two-year NFL career with the Tennessee Titans (2022-23), he has appeared in six games and registered 11 tackles and 0.5 a sack between the Tennessee’s active roster and practice squad. In January 2023, the 49ers signed Okuayinonu to the team’s practice squad.

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Catch Up with the Jets Legend from Furman Jim Gehman

All football fields are 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide. But it’s along the sidelines where rookies entering the NFL realize they’re not in Kansas anymore. Or in Dakota Dozier’s case, not in South Carolina anymore.

“I was used to about 1,500, with 4,000 being a big crowd at (Greenville’s) Paladin Stadium,” Dozier said. “And you step into MetLife, and it’s a little bit different environment. And so I definitely remember, ‘Man, I’m not playing FCS football anymore. I’m in the NFL.’”

A left tackle who appeared in 44 games with 43 starts over four seasons at Furman University, Dozier, who helped earn a share of the 2013 Southern Conference championship as a senior, was chosen by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2014 Draft.

“I mean, I was obviously ecstatic to have my entry into the NFL,” Dozier said. “I still remember answering the phone and hear (New York’s Head Coach) Rex Ryan say, ‘Hey, you want to be a Jet?’ That’s a memory that’s going to be stuck in my head the rest of my life.”

Although Dozier was inactive for all but one game during his rookie season, he displayed an admirable level of maturity and made the best of a situation that reminded him of his freshman year in college.

“I redshirted and that’s kind of what I took as my rookie year to be. Alright, this year I get to just learn. I just wanted to consume,” Dozier said. “One of the great things that year, I got drafted and immediately I was, ‘Wow, I’m going to be in the same room with Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. I’m going to learn from some of the best to do it. And so, yeah, I wanted to be as much of a sponge as I could be.

“I mean, obviously, I would have loved to step in and play right away, but that wasn’t my role that year. And so I could have been woe is me. Or I could say, ‘You know what? Let me learn everything I can and get ready for my opportunity when it comes.’”

It came the following season under a new coaching staff headed by Todd Bowles when Dozier played in five games, mostly on special teams, but not before a personally challenging beginning.

“Going into that second year, my mother passed away a month before training camp started, and that kind of rocked my life,” Dozier said. “So football wasn’t exactly my primary focus. But (the coaches) stepped in and I knew that they cared about me as an individual and let me work through those growing pains and figuring it all out.

“It was very nice to be able to actually just go up to Todd and talk football and talk life and all those things. Especially as a rookie, I didn’t really understand the coach/player relationship as well. I got to really know Todd. It was so easy to talk to him and just figure out exactly what they did expect of me.”

Over the next four seasons, they would come to expect that Dozier could step in when called upon and perform well.

“I still vividly remember my first couple starts, and just being able to say, ‘Hey, not only did I achieve the goal of being an NFL, I achieved the goal of being a starter,’” Dozier said. “I remember how awesome it was to just go out there and play ball and break the huddle and just have that childhood love of the game. It was really special. I’m so thankful to be able to have done it in a Jets uniform.

“I played left guard, I played center, I played right guard, I took snaps at left tackle, I played some fullback, I played some tight end. It was neat to see that by the time I left, they really had a faith in me to be able to play whatever position it was they needed me to go play.”

After five seasons with the Green & White, Dozier signed as a free agent with Minnesota in 2019. Spending three seasons with the Vikings, he started every game of the 2020 campaign at left guard. He then signed with Chicago in 2022, but injured his knee before being able to play for the Bears.

What makes Dozier most proud of his career?

“It was just really neat to come from that redshirt kind of season and don’t play at all, to some inactive points throughout the rest of my time there, to fullback/tight end days, and then saying, ‘I did it,’” he said. “I finally was a starter and stayed healthy through 16 games and play all those thousands of snaps. I look back on that and I’m pretty proud of it.”

Now retired, Dozier is making his home in Raleigh, NC, with his wife, Haley, and their children: Zak and Evelyn.

“I’m so thankful to be a follower of Christ. I’m so thankful with what he’s done in my life. I get to be a husband to Haley. I get to be a father to Zak and Evelyn. And just really taking this time to enjoy those relationships,” Dozier said.

“Football was amazing. I’m so glad I got to do it. But it was more difficult to dive into those relationships just because of the time demand. And so this past year, I get to be husband, I get to be dad. It is so special to me to have those three in my life. I’m just so thankful for them.”

In addition to spending more time with his family, Dozier hopes that in the next chapter of his life, he’ll also be able to pay it forward as a high school football coach.

“Even before the league was a possibility, I had some really great men in my life who showed me what it was to be a man, and what it was to do that as a coach,” Dozier said. “And so high school coaching is something that’s always stood out to me.

“I think it’s just an important time in their lives. Not that there aren’t other important times, too. But that 14 to 18 is such a foundational time. And if I can help them be a great football player, that’s cool. But if I can help them become a better man, I mean, that’s what we’re trying to do, right?

“I’ve started to make some connections, have reached out to some people to get to know them, and just see what it’d be like for me to step into that role. And so that’s probably where I’ll start and then go from there.”

Nick Harris

FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is not present for the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp that began on Tuesday, as he awaits a new contract extension this offseason from the front office.

His absence marks the beginning of an official holdout. Although he did not arrive for the team’s voluntary OTA sessions over the course of the last couple of weeks, him being away from the facility on Tuesday marks his first workout missed that is mandatory. He is subject to a fine of $16,953 for missing Tuesday and as much as $50,855 for missing all three days of minicamp this week.

Lamb is on the precipice of landing a big contract extension on the heels of the Minnesota Vikings making Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the NFL with Monday’s signing of a four-year/$140 million extension that ended his own respective holdout. With the Vikings welcoming in a rookie quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, the urgency to get a deal done for Minnesota resulted in Jefferson being the first of the major receivers to pop.

Other receivers awaiting deals include the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase, the San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk and Lamb. With the market now reset at the position, the dominoes could start to fall, or a holdout could continue throughout the summer for each.

For the Cowboys, head coach Mike McCarthy is heading into his second season as the team’s play-caller which will allow him to have a smoother transition period with Lamb when he is able to return to the building. With that being said, there will still be a bit of catching up to do on Lamb’s part as OTAs and minicamp have given the offense an opportunity to install more packages.

Away from the facility, Lamb has continued to work with specialized trainers around the Dallas area as well as Dak Prescott to keep their rhythm down going into 2024. If Lamb is unable to strike a deal before the end of minicamp, the next opportunity for him to rejoin the team will be at training camp in Oxnard, Calif. in late July.

Nick Harris

FRISCO, Texas – It’s been nearly three months since veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks surprised the masses and decided not to return to his home-state of California to play for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, opting instead to lead his former mentor’s new defense in Dallas under Mike Zimmer once again.

While he is the new guy in the building to most, it’s not a foreign experience to Kendricks. After eight seasons in Minnesota – seven of which alongside Zimmer – Kendricks spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. That experience, he says, has him prepared for this one.

“It’s been good,” Kendricks said of his new environment. “A lot of new faces. I’m the new guy. I did it last year, so I’m familiar with it a little bit. Everyone has been welcoming. The locker room is great.”

The beginning of OTAs last week allowed Kendricks to finally put the helmet on and begin the install phases of what Zimmer’s defense will look like in 2024. While most of it is Kendricks recalling his former days with Zimmer, new iterations keep him eager to learn like the rest of his defensive teammates.

“Obviously, I have a lot of experience with it,” he said. “We’re doing things a little bit differently. We’ve added some new things. I’m still learning. I’m still trying to check my ego, I don’t know all the answers.”

While that may be mostly true, there won’t be a player on the field in 2024 that will be more important to the system’s success than Kendricks.

His experience making the calls for previous iterations of Zimmer’s defense has allowed him to know exactly what works in certain situations – and what doesn’t work. In his eyes, the personnel in place in Dallas has the ingredients for a recipe of success under Zimmer.

“I know the strengths and weaknesses of this defense,” he said. “I know what it’s capable of. There are a lot of guys on this team that haven’t played in this defense, and they don’t know it yet, but it suits them very well. I can’t wait to see it.”

Kendricks and Zimmer did not part ways in Minnesota on the best of terms, if Kendricks’ words in the days following Zimmer’s firing were any indication. But these days with a new opportunity ahead for both, the respect remains the same as it did when Zimmer drafted him out of UCLA back in 2015.

“Life’s hard,” Kendricks said of Zimmer’s hard coaching style. “I respect him fully. We had a talk this last weekend, we’re excited to have the opportunity to work together again. We’re going to play off each other.”

“We’ve had some good years and I can’t wait to continue that.”

With a 2024 season that has a lot of question marks going in, Kendricks is only trying to be the “constant voice” for a young defensive unit. After a season where physicality lacked in big losses, an approach is being taken to rectify that this time around.

“It’s in the meeting rooms, it’s a little bit of technique, it’s a little bit of guts,” he said about what goes into physicality. “It’s a mentality. Everybody knows what’s going on and being said coming into the offseason. It’s up to us to have that mentality to come in and change the narrative. Put the opportunity on our shoulders, put the responsibility on our back, and let’s go be physical.”

Jayden Reed has a shot at being the crown jewel of a prodigious draft class Wes Hodkiewicz

Dennis from Parrish, FL

When the Inbox gets published on Monday, it will only be 418 hours roughly before Roger Goodell walks onto a stage, and says, “The Chicago Bears are on the clock!” I can’t wait!

When you put it that way, I better submit some more PTO.

Lane from Hurricane, UT

Which Packers player do you think had the biggest Year 1 impact?

Year 1? Jordan Love. Rookie? Jayden Reed. The Packers received so much immediate production from their 2023 draft class, but Reed has a shot at being the crown jewel of a prodigious draft class. The former Michigan State standout was not only productive but also consistent. For 35 years, Sterling Sharpe held that rookie single-season receptions mark for the Packers and then Reed came along. You don’t break a record like that by accident.

Steve from Palm Springs, FL

Hi Wes, first things first, I work at a hotel and had the pleasure to assist Lukas Van Ness in my work priorities. That’s a big dude and also very cool. The question is would you take Cooper DeJean or Graham Barton if both are available? Both of you are great writers and very insightful. Thanks.

Oh boy, here we go. These are always no-win situations for me because it creates a Player A or Player B narrative. There’s also the possibility the Packers take the player I don’t pick over the player I do. But since you were the first to ask, I’ll give you an answer – I’d take DeJean. He’s a proven playmaker whose versatility would deepen any secondary.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Most years it seems that Packers Nation develops a “favorite” in advance of the draft. Going all the way back to 2006, it was A.J. Hawk. In 2014, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was the guy. Both of these players landed in green and gold. And we’ll not soon forget 2017 when T.J. Watt was the in-state fan favorite, available when GB was on the clock. It seems that this year’s guy is Cooper DeJean from Iowa. Are there others in your memory bank that stand out?

I definitely feel like DeJean is “that guy” this year. The two others who come to mind are Brandon Aiyuk in 2020 and Treylon Burks in 2022. It felt like fans, and quite a few draftniks, had those two receivers mocked to Green Bay in their respective draft years.

Don from Torrington, CT

Loved Mr. McKinstry’s Prospect Primer because now we know what flavor that Kool-Aid is: PUNCH! Dang, that young man has hand strength and punches the ball out that’s crazy good! Who does he remind you of? He reminds me of Peanut Tillman, always in the right place to close fast and gets his hands on the ball.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein went with Atlanta cornerback A.J. Terrell as McKinstry’s comp, but McKinstry does seem to play physical like Tillman did. He’s a heady player with strong hands who also breaks quickly to the ball.

Ken from Boynton Beach, FL

Hi Insiders, with the departure of David Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan, and Yosh Nijman, we lost depth on the offensive line. I really like Amarius Mims, the tackle out of UGA for our first pick in the draft. Do you think Guety will bring him in for an evaluation/interview or is he staying mums about Mims?

All is quiet there, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Under Brian Gutekunst, in the first round, the Packers have drafted players they’ve brought in for visits and some they concealed their cards on. Mims has two traits the Packers seem to like, though – he’s a 6-foot-8 tackle and attended the University of Georgia. Mims didn’t start many games for the Bulldogs, but the traits are undeniable.

Rudy from Rhinelander, WI

Right now, who is the second-most valuable player on defense? Jaire Alexander is No. 1 easily – but I think Keisean Nixon is second-most important. Obviously, a lot would pick Kenny Clark, but if versatility counts, Nixon has to be right there. If the D steps up with all the first-round picks, hello Super Bowl!

There’s a reason the nickel cornerback is often referred to as the “star” position, right? Nixon’s presence will be key next year. However, I’m still a big proponent that football is often won and lost on the edge, so Rashan Gary stands near the top of any list for me. If Gary takes that next step towards becoming a dominant pass rusher, the Packers’ defense has a real chance to soar with No. 52 chasing the quarterback and No. 23 picking him off.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

Given their free-agent signings, I don’t necessarily view the defensive backfield as a pressing need. Unless they view Eric Stokes’ injury as being debilitating, to me he is still of starting caliber and has had some early injuries but can recover. I hope that among their first three picks they go with at least one offensive lineman and one defensive lineman in order to add depth and even add more impact plays in 2024. I would be thrilled to see that approach. Perhaps an inside linebacker as well.

In my opinion, the Packers don’t have many pressing needs in this year’s draft but that only adds to the intrigue as to how they’ll approach those five picks in the top 100.

Patrick from McFarland, WI

Hello! Excited about draft! I’m wondering how much value a late first-round pick has vs. an early second-round pick in terms of the extra year of team control over a first-rounder? How much extra value does the 25th pick have over the 33rd pick aside from being eight spots higher? Thanks, love II!

Five years ago, I would have said it’s significantly more valuable, but the fact fifth-year options are now fully guaranteed for skill makes me back off that stance somewhat. It’s still probably worth trading up to take a quarterback late in the first round rather than waiting till the second, but I don’t feel as strongly about that as when Minnesota traded back in to draft Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32 in 2014.

Brian from Milwaukee, WI

I see Lucas Patrick is still a free agent. Would he be someone the Packers might be interested in after the draft? Seemed like he was pretty solid when he was here.

I would love nothing more than for Patrick to return to Green Bay, but I also don’t cut the checks. Patrick is still a free agent at the moment, and I felt like he played well for the Bears last season. Chicago certainly missed his presence at center when Patrick was forced out of the regular-season finale against Green Bay due to the calf injury. We’ll see where the chips fall, but I hope to see No. 62 out there for somebody next season.

Sue from Tomah, WI

Serious side of this question: Since the Packers do not have just one owner, how are they represented at owners’ meetings? On the humorous side of that, I vote that each GBP shareholder gets a vote at the meetings! Oh, look! There’s the door! Gotta run now! GPG!

Mark Murphy is the organization’s representative and proxy vote, though Mark will be the first to tell you he also leans on the expertise of COO Ed Policy and the Packers’ other VPs.

Dan from Richmond, VA

Regarding Mike’s list of offensive playmakers who have most consistently torched the Packers over the years, the name Barry Sanders was no surprise. However, according to my memory (which runs hot and cold), I believe we once held him to negative yardage during the course of an entire game. Are we the only team to ever pull off that remarkable feat?

That 1994 playoff game against Green Bay was the only time in Sanders’ illustrious career he failed to gain a yard on the ground. The only other time Sanders was even in the single digits came during a five-carry, 1-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 23-3 loss during his rookie season in 1989.

Justin from Los Angeles, CA

One thing I’ve always wondered: During the draft, do teams get instant updates from the league on who’s been picked, or do they have to wait for the Commish (or whomever) to announce the pick like those of us sitting at home?

NFL teams have their own internal communication system. It’s not like Brian Gutekunst and the 31 other GMs are watching NFL Network to hear Roger Goodell say which player has been selected.

Johnny from Salt Lake City, UT

Guys, has Mark Murphy thought about having the NFL hook up the Packers’ Dreamliner with a U.S. military aerial refueling aircraft for a mid-flight top off? ATMR (WCBW), our military currently has 568 refueling aircraft…maybe they could free one up for the flight down to Brazil?

Folks, we’ll see what happens. If the Packers get sent to Brazil, we’ll discuss it.

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

Good afternoon, Mike and Wes! Mike stated that Thursday games and artificial turf are not collectively bargained issues. My question is why not? I believe that wages, hours and working conditions are all mandatory subjects of collective bargaining and both of those subjects, along with an 18th game, would seem to fall under working conditions. Any insight is appreciated.

This is out of my purview, and I don’t want to speak on a matter I’m not fully educated on. I would think that’s something the NFLPA could bring up in the next round of CBA negotiations, but I’m sure it’s something players would like to see league ownership address before then.

All Prospect Primer News

Joe from Dartford, UK

Hi Wes – your comment around thinking “J.R. Sweezy is way too tall to play center” when he was drafted got me thinking: Which single player do you think has had the biggest impact on their position in terms of their size/shape/style becoming the prototype body for that position group once that player has proved it can be done? I guess my question is which player has been the most transformative for their position group? Or broken conventional/widely accepted assumptions around a position?

Aaron Donald changed the game, and the way NFL scouts view the blueprint for elite defensive tackles. Donald was part of a revolution at the position that also included Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey and Mike Daniels in the 2010s. It’s why he’ll be a unanimous first-ballot Hall of Famer whose discussion shouldn’t last any longer than the Rams’ presenting voter uttering his name.

Tom from Fort Myers, FL

Under the new kickoff rules, what happens if the kicker slips on a muddy or snowy field and squibs the kick?

The ball goes to the 40-yard line…and the kicker needs to check his cleats.

Randy from Grand Junction, CO

With the draft this month, do either of you go to Detroit or stay in Green Bay?

No, we’ll always be in Green Bay. There’s only two of us, so we have to stay close to the headquarters. So, next year will probably be the closest we’ll get to attending an NFL Draft in-person.

Dave from Howard, WI

Having worked in Antarctica for 10 seasons I can attest to the number of Packer and Badger fans there. UW is well represented in Antarctica, both among the support workers and the science community. People from the cold are attracted to cold places? UW sends a number of scientists and engineers every year. In fact, a UW engineering team designs and drills all of the ice cores for the USAP. To get your chest thumping proud for UW, read “Telescope in the Ice” about the neutrino telescope at South Pole!

From Antarctica all the way back to my backyard in Howard! I’ll be sure to check it out.

Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua

With all of the recent chatter about submissions to the Inbox from abroad, I thought I better add a new one…Josh from Adams, WI, is now Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua, permanently. Does my new location increase my odds of making the cut or should I change my name to Jeff, too?

It could only help. Have a good Monday.

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Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Monday announced they’ve signed former Rams defensive lineman Jonah Williams.

Williams joins Minnesota after starting 22 of 41 games with Los Angeles since 2021, including 16 of 17 last season. He recorded career highs of 49 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and his first pass defended in 2023.

In addition to playing 598 defensive snaps, Williams also handled 165 on special teams in 2023.

He’ll be reuniting with Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, who was hired by Minnesota this offseason after coaching for the Rams (2021) and Broncos (2022-23).

Williams, who grew up in Idaho, initially joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State in 2020. He helped Weber State win three conference titles and was named Big Sky Defensive MVP in 2019, as well as the 2019-20 Weber State Male Athlete of the Year and the Big Sky Scholar Athlete.

Tim Twentyman

The first week of free agency is in the books and it was a very busy week for the four teams in the NFC North.

Here’s a look at how rosters have changed throughout the division through the first wave of free agency:

DETROIT

2023 record: 12-5 (division champs)

Top re-signings: G Graham Glasgow, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, CB Emmanuel Moseley, T Dan Skipper, CB Khalil Dorsey, RB Zonovan Knight, LS Scott Daly

Key free-agent additions: DT DJ Reader, CB Carlton Davis (trade), Edge rusher Marcus Davenport, CB Amik Robertson

Big free agent losses: G Jonah Jackson, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, LB Anthony Pittman

Twentyman’s take: It was clear from the start of free agency and the trade for Davis, that Lions GM Brad Holmes’ plan was to strengthen the cornerback room and add key pieces upfront on defense.

Holmes traded a third-round pick to Tampa Bay for Davis and also received two sixth-round picks in return for a player they hope can step into a starting role opposite Cam Sutton. The re-signing of Moseley and free-agent acquisition of Robertson give the Lions more talent and depth at cornerback than they had this time last year.

Reader was a home-run addition that gives the Lions arguably one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackle duos in the NFL with him and Alim McNeill. Davenport’s addition gives them another experienced edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky and others. Detroit’s defense got better.

Offensively, losing Jackson will hurt. That’s an area Holmes will have to look to strengthen either with a veteran in free agency or next month’s NFL Draft.

GREEN BAY

2023 record: 9-8

Top re-signings: CB Keisean Nixon, RB AJ Dillon, CB Corey Ballentine, TE Tyler Davis, LB Kristian Welch

Key free-agent additions: RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney

Big free agent losses: RB Aaron Jones (released), LT David Bakhtiari (released), S Jonathan Owens, G Jon Runyan, S Darnell Savage

Twentyman’s take: A new era begins in Green Bay with the release of Bakhtiari and Jones. Those two have been a staple in Green Bay – and a thorn in Detroit’s side – for years. Jacobs takes over running back duties for the Packers after running for 805 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games for the Raiders last season. He led the league in rushing in 2022, racking up 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. He brings a different style to Green Bay’s backfield.

The savviest signing might have been McKinney. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley really values the safety position in his scheme and McKinney played at a Pro Bowl level last season with 116 tackles (78 solo), three interceptions and 11 passes defended. He improves the backend of the Packers’ defense.

Davenport reunites with Campbell & Glenn in Detroit: ‘It’s a great opportunity’ Lions bolster interior defensive line with DJ Reader signing Lions sign unrestricted free agent DL DJ Reader MINNESOTA

2023 record: 7-10

Top re-signings: DL Jonathan Bullard, WR Brandon Powell, T David Quessenberry, G Blake Brandel, TE Johnny Mundt

Key free-agent additions: QB Sam Darnold, OLB Jonathan Greenard, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, RB Aaron Jones, LB Blake Cashman, DL Jerry Tillery, WR Trent Sherfield

Big free agent losses: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, LB Jordan Hicks, DE Marcus Davenport, RB Alexander Mattison (released)

Twentyman’s take: Something tells me the Vikings aren’t done adding to the quarterback position after losing Cousins in free agency to Atlanta and adding Darnold from the 49ers. Darnold is an experienced veteran and he’s got some weapons to throw to in Minnesota, but I thought it was interesting Friday that Minnesota and Houston agreed to a trade where the Vikings acquired the No. 23 overall pick in the first round and the No. 232 selection (seventh round) while giving the Texans No. 42 overall (second round), No. 188 (sixth round) and a second-round pick in 2025. Are the Vikings stockpiling picks to move up and draft a QB?

Minnesota is a nice landing spot for Jones. He’ll fit in nicely in their scheme. Hunter and his 16.5 sacks last year is a big loss. There were no tears shed in Detroit to see him out of the division. I really like the additions of Greenard and Van Ginkel. I think they’ll help stem the loss of Hunter.

CHICAGO

2023 record: 7-10

Top re-signings: DB Jaylon Johnson, LS Patrick Scales

Key free-agent additions: WR Keenan Allen (trade), RB D’Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard, C Ryan Bates (trade), TE Gerald Everett, S Jonathan Owens, OL Coleman Shelton, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, OL Matt Pryor, QB Brett Rypien, OL Jake Curhan, OL Coleman Shelton

Big free agent losses: WR Darnell Mooney, DT Justin Jones, S Eddie Jackson (released)

Twentyman’s take: The Bears got a big upgrade at receiver with the trade for Allen and only had to give up a fourth-round pick to get him. Allen caught 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns last season and has six 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. He and D.J. Moore make a nice combo at receiver. Swift is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season for the Eagles in 2023. Lions fans know what he can do.

Defensively, securing Johnson was priority No. 1 for GM Ryan Poles and the Bears got him back on a four-year, $76 million deal that keeps one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL in Chicago. Byard is an All-Pro safety who should settle in nicely opposite Jaquan Brisker in the backend of Chicago’s defense. Chicago got better and still have two top 10 picks in next month’s NFL Draft.

Nick Harris

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have made their first outside move of free agency, as they have agreed to terms with nine-year veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks.

Kendricks, who initially chose to join the San Francisco 49ers during the legal tampering period earlier this week, will instead make his way to Dallas where he will reunite with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer after the former Minnesota head coach drafted and helped develop the 2019 All-Pro into one of the top middle linebackers in the league.

After spending eight seasons in Minnesota, Kendricks spent 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers before being released on March 5. He joins the Cowboys defense on the heels of eight consecutive seasons with 100-plus tackles.

The linebacker room was in dire need of help going into the offseason after Markquese Bell was forced to step up from the safety position to play linebacker after the week five injury to Leighton Vander Esch.

With Vander Esch’s injury holding his future in the NFL in the balance, only Damone Clark remains as the lone linebacker from the season’s final 53-man roster. DeMarvion Overshown, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, is expected to be cleared in time for training camp to make his contributions to the linebacker position.

The potential signing of Kendricks would add a reliable veteran to the middle of the defense that has been known for being a key leadership piece on Mike Zimmer’s defenses from their days in Minnesota. With or without the return of Vander Esch, Kendricks provides reliability and IQ to the middle linebacker spot in 2024.

The Cowboys have also kept a close look at the linebacker position in the upcoming draft, as they conducted five formal interviews with linebacker prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month.

Kendricks was a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2015 after a productive college career at UCLA. His eight seasons in Minnesota saw him play in 117 games before playing in 15 games last season with the Chargers.