Oxnard, Calif. – The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their 2026 training camp in Oxnard on Thursday, closing another important chapter of their preseason preparation. With the regular season approaching, the final practice provided several notable developments on both sides of the football.
The Cowboys will now shift their attention to Saturday’s late-night preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals before returning to Texas for the remainder of their preparation. But before the squad reaches State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, let’s quickly recap what happened on the Cowboys’ last day in Oxnard and what the major takeaways are.
1. The starting QB battle for the Arizona Cardinals game remains unsettled
Joe Milton was the first quarterback to take team snaps after Dak Prescott, while Sam Howell also received four drives during the practice. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said earlier Thursday that the Cowboys still had not decided who would start against Arizona.
Milton and Howell, therefore, remain in competition for the opportunity to lead the Cowboys in their second preseason game. Saturday should provide another important evaluation point for both quarterbacks.
2. Caleb Downs continues to make plays
Rookie safety Caleb Downs once again showed why he has generated so much attention throughout training camp. He broke up a pass intended for Luke Schoonmaker and later provided tight coverage on CeeDee Lamb that forced an incompletion.
Downs was also involved in a play involving Von Miller, who generated pressure on his first team snap. Miller’s pressure helped lead to a pass breakup by Downs, giving the Cowboys another glimpse of their new defensive combination.
3. Super Bowl champion Von Miller makes his presence felt
Miller played only four total snaps during the team periods, but he made an impact almost immediately. He recorded pressure on his first snap and was credited with two pressures during his limited workload.
The Cowboys are clearly managing Miller carefully after his arrival, particularly with the regular season still ahead. After his second and fourth snaps, he added some conditioning work by running to the end zone and back along the sideline.
4. Camden Brown making plays despite WR room uncertainty
Camden Brown, a rookie wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, has significantly exceeded expectations during training camp and preseason. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer named him among ten players who impressed, highlighting his two touchdown receptions, including a spectacular one-handed grab.
This performance has put Brown firmly in the conversation for a roster spot. However, Schottenheimer cautioned against premature celebration, emphasizing that the wide receiver competition remains intense with players like Jonathan Mingo and Anthony Smith. Brown’s roster fate will ultimately depend on his continued offensive production and special-teams contributions.
5. Veterans get a lighter workload
Terence Steele was among the veterans who received fewer team reps as Dallas continues trying to keep its older players fresh. Nate Thomas stepped in at right tackle with the first team when Steele was out.
The Cowboys have little reason to push established players through every training camp repetition at this stage. The focus is now shifting toward getting the roster ready for the regular season rather than simply maximizing practice volume.
6. Defensive front creates problems
The Cowboys’ defense continued to produce disruptive plays during the final practice. Malachi Lawrence recorded a sack of Prescott, while Donovan Ezeiruaku and DJ Withers were among the defenders responsible for tackles for loss.
Dee Winters also forced a fumble from Jake Ferguson. However, the ball appeared to bounce off another player before landing right back in Ferguson’s hands, allowing the tight end to retain possession.
7. Kicker Brandon Aubrey finishes camp almost perfectly
Brandon Aubrey provided another reminder of his reliability by going six for six on field goal attempts. His successful kicks came from 22, 33, 34, 37, 39, and 42 yards, per Tommy Yarrish.
Aubrey’s perfect afternoon capped another strong training camp for the Cowboys’ kicker. His consistency will remain an important asset for Dallas once the regular season begins.
8. Injury concerns surface on the final day of the Cowboys’ training camp
The final practice also brought some unwanted developments, with several players leaving the field after visiting the medical tent. James Houston, DJ Rogers, Jay Toia, and Kelvin Gilliam were among those who walked back to the locker room.
Houston and Toia were particularly notable because both have been competing for opportunities within the defensive front. Toia’s departure is especially worth monitoring given the Cowboys’ limited depth at defensive tackle.
Cowboys end Oxnard chapter on Thursday
The Cowboys’ final practice in Oxnard marked the end of another month of preparation in California. Players also took part in a tradition of signing gifts for volunteers from the City of Oxnard who helped support the team’s training camp.
Around 80 city volunteers reportedly assisted with this year’s camp. With Oxnard now behind them, the Cowboys turn their attention to Arizona and the increasingly important decisions that must be made before the regular season arrives
With Arizona next, the 2nd preseason matchup will offer one more chance to evaluate the roster before the focus shifts firmly toward the last preseason game against the Saints and Week 1 against the New York Giants.
