Dallas Cowboys football is officially back as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the preseason. It might be a vanilla playbook, and no star players are likely to suit up, but it’s still Cowboys football. Getting a chance to watch the rookies and other developing youngsters is the fun of it all from a fan's perspective, but the Cowboys still have plenty of questions to answer.
It starts with who eventually makes the 53-man roster? With an entirely new defensive coaching staff, the depth on that side of the ball has to be fleshed out, and preseason play will be a significant part of that equation. Dallas needs to identify the best backup options and the best special-teams performers to fill out the roster. The offense has its own questions along the offensive line, in the running back room, & the backup pass catchers. Here are three of the most important questions that need answers for the first preseason game.
What’s the role for Jaydon Blue?
The Cowboys need a backup running back, and that could be Jaydon Blue, but he may have a different role for the Dallas offense. He could be the change-of-pace back, who gets more of the explosive-play runs and the pass-catching role. The Cowboys desperately need to add explosive rushes to their arsenal, and that could be where Blue will contribute.
That’s different than being the backup to Javonte Williams.
It’s possible that if Williams misses time, a different back takes his spot. Phil Mafah can run the plays for Williams and be that type of rusher with his size and power. Malik Davis was that guy in 2025, or it could be Israel Abanikanda, who was added at the end of last season. Blue needs to avoid the fumbles that have popped up, like during the joint practice with the Rams, to earn his role on gamedays.
Can any of the cornerback depth set themselves apart?
DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., and Cobie Durant are the cemented top three corner options. That was how it was set up going in, and their training-camp play hasn’t altered that in any way. First-round rookie Caleb Downs will man the nickel slot while also taking on some safety duties. Beyond those four? The CB rotation is muddied.
Reddy Steward was possibly the team's best corner last year, while Caelen Carson looked to be a steal as a rookie, but injuries have set him back. Devin Moore is a fourth-round pick with top-50 talent but a terrible injury history who's currently sidelined. Josh Butler has flashed here and there with starter-quality play, but is coming off a major injury that let him play just one game in 2025. Ameer Speed has made plays in camp, and Trikweze Bridges started games for Dallas last year.
Will the team use special teams play to determine the CB reserves for the 53-man roster, or will they take the best defenders?
Can anyone take the lead in the race for the fifth receiver spot?
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy are the receivers in three-wideout sets, with KaVontae Turpin as the gadget guy and speed option. Turpin is also the kick and punt returner, so his role is solidified. The fifth receiver spot gives Dallas a ton of options to consider.
Anthony Smith was a draft pick, so he could be the fifth receiver to avoid losing him on waivers. Camden Brown seems to be this training camp's Traeshon Holden. Both have performed in practice, but neither has meaningful game experience.
Veteran wideouts Jonathan Mingo and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could be a battle for the fifth option if the Cowboys value experience for the depth of the position. Mingo has been in this offense with Brian Schottenheimer for multiple seasons, but hasn’t had any impact in real games. Valdez-Scantling has been an impactful receiver over his seven seasons, but he has never had 700 receiving yards or a success rate over 50%. Will either be able to play special teams? That could be the key to the fifth receiver.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Preseason questions include if Cowboys depth CBs are defenders or ST players?