Dallas Cowboys host Baltimore in the second preseason game, a true dress rehearsal for a roster still sorting depth. Tyler Booker is set to debut at right guard, aiming to prove he belongs as the team looks for a long-term answer there. Booker’s training-camp buzz and first-round pedigree frame his Week 2 test as a potential breakthrough for the Cowboys’ interior line. Marist Liufau steps into a larger role on defense with Kenneth Murray out, while Perrion Winfrey has drawn steady camp applause at defensive tackle. Zion Childress brings UDFA versatility that could keep him in the nickel mix, and Traeshon Holden has shown week-to-week flashes at wideout. Rookie Mazi Smith and Jay Toia carry some uneven Week 1 notes, but Winfrey’s rise and Holden’s early production keep Dallas’ camp narrative lively. All eyes on Week 2 against the Ravens as the Cowboys push to lock in depth before the final preseason stretch.

Oxnard’s training-camp finale underscored a 365-day, evaluation-forward mindset for the Cowboys, with roster depth and competition front and center as players push for roles before cut-down day. Zion Childress has surged to the nickel, challenging for a starting spot and signaling a potential undrafted path to Week 1 reps. Mafah impressed with a workmanlike, instinctive run style, while Blue’s ankle and Sanders’ knee adjustments shaped early opportunities for the rookie to rise. Linebacker depth has brightened, led by Liufau, James, Clark, Sanborn and Murray, giving Dallas a more versatile second level. In the secondary, injuries and ambiguity in the corner group have narrowed options, heightening urgency to identify Week 1 contributors. Tolbert’s non-stat contributions and the broader WR room remain under watch as coaches push players to prove they can lift the run game and blocking discipline. Jerry Jones and Schottenheimer stress patient evaluation as the team edges toward roster decisions.

Key risers and fallers: Childress climbed from the bottom to most nickel reps, with Hall pushing for time and Bland waiting for outside duties. Mafah’s stock rose as he ran with urgency in Oxnard, while Blue’s ankle and Sanders’ knee opened doors for Mafah to show more in practice and preseason. Linebackers Liufau, James, Clark, Sanborn and Murray rebuilt depth with physical play and schemes. The cornerback room faced more hurdles: Carson’s knee, Revel Jr.’s gradual return, and Diggs/Butler health keep four corners in flux. Mazi Smith has spoken honestly about progress; Toia flashed potential on the interior. Tolbert’s blocking and versatility keep him in the conversation as a secondary option behind Turpin and Pickens-era chatter.

Cowboys depth at cornerback is under scrutiny as Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel rehab from knee surgeries, leaving Kaiir Elam and DaRon Bland as the edge corners with a crowded battle for the slot. Competition behind them includes Kemon Hall, Israel Mukuamu and Zion Childress, with Andrew Booth’s roster status uncertain amid a lingering knee issue for Caelen Carson and Josh Butler on the PUP list. Diggs’ return target is mid-September, Revel could move to PUP to start the season, and the preseason opener highlighted promising plays from Booth, Mukuamu and Booth’s tight coverage. Dallas is balancing return timelines with flexible coverage, aiming to stabilize the group quickly once Diggs is back.

Depth behind Diggs remains unsettled, forcing constant reorganization and daily competition. Eliable reps are being distributed to evaluate who can handle outside, nickel and slot duties, while the staff weighs which combinations maximize both pass defense and run support. The Cowboys will lean on competition and health updates to finalize the roster and roles as Diggs nears a return and Revel’s status becomes clearer.