As training camps are underway, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams opened their joint practice Tuesday with cameras off and video unavailable to reporters. But even without visual access to the session, early observations from the practice provided a glimpse into some of the notable developments in the field.
Cowboys reporters were not allowed to take video during the joint practice, leaving written observations as the primary source of updates. The early portion of team drills did not produce any major offensive developments, but according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, several individual moments stood out.
Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb as a target on a play-action pass, but the play ended with the pass being broken up. Prescott and Lamb remain among the most important pieces of Dallas’ offense, making their work together one of the key areas to watch throughout the joint sessions.
Jaydon Blue also had an early mistake when he fumbled the football. Ball security remains particularly important for the Cowboys’ running back competition, with every practice rep carrying significance as players battle for roles on the depth chart.
Joe Milton worked with the second-team offense during the early team drills. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams was calling the offense, providing another notable detail from the Cowboys’ work against Los Angeles.
On the defensive side, Donovan Ezeiruaku made his presence felt with a sack and an impressive run stop. The young pass rusher has an opportunity to earn a larger role, and disruptive plays during joint practices can help strengthen his case.
Caleb Downs was another defensive standout. The rookie safety made an impressive tackle for loss on a run play, showing the instincts and physicality that have made him one of the more closely watched young players on the Cowboys’ roster.
The early portion of practice did not produce a dramatic offensive storyline, but the defensive highlights from Ezeiruaku and Downs offered encouraging signs for Dallas. With cameras off, reporters will have to rely on field observations as the Cowboys and Rams continue their joint work.
