Dallas Cowboys' 2024 camp is hit by injuries, sidelining Tyler Guyton. See how rookies like Traeshon Holden & Jaydon Blue are seizing their big chance.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The mantra in Oxnard has officially become 'Next Man Up.' As the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up another day of training camp on Thursday, the list of walking wounded grew longer, casting a shadow over the California sun. But through the gloom of injuries, new stars are beginning to emerge. While the offensive line scrambles to fill holes, second-year back Jaydon Blue took first-team reps for the first time, and undrafted rookie receiver Traeshon Holden stole the show, proving that opportunity knocks loudest in times of adversity.
Undrafted rookie Traeshon Holden impressed with two touchdown catches during practice.
The infirmary tent is getting crowded. The biggest concern remains at offensive tackle, where first-round pick Tyler Guyton is still sidelined with a knee injury that's expected to keep him out 4-6 weeks. With Guyton out, Nathan Thomas and Asim Richards are battling for the starting spot, but the depth took another hit Thursday with Hakeem Adeniji suffering a new, unspecified injury. They join a lengthy list that includes Rob Jones (neck, 2-3 months), Matt Waletzko (leg), rookie Caelen Carson (knee, 4-6 weeks), Parris Campbell (MCL), Deuce Vaughn (hamstring), Juanyeh Thomas (lower body), and Brevyn Spann-Ford (ankle). The sheer volume of injuries, especially along the offensive front, is the team's number one challenge heading into the preseason.
Every injury creates an opportunity, and several young players are making the most of it. The highlight of Thursday's practice was undrafted rookie receiver Traeshon Holden, who hauled in two touchdown passes and looked like a legitimate threat. In the backfield, with Deuce Vaughn nursing a hamstring, Jaydon Blue stepped in with the first-team offense and showed flashes of the explosiveness fans have been waiting for. These performances are exactly what new head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to see as he installs his system and looks for players who can step up and help a healthy Dak Prescott lead a rebound season.
Despite the injury concerns, the energy was positive as the team hosted its 'Heroes Appreciation Day' for an open practice. Players and team social media accounts were buzzing with behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the connection with the fans and military members in attendance. Amid the photos of Holden's touchdowns and Blue's carries, team leaders also took to social media, posting motivational messages about overcoming adversity. It's a reminder that while the physical toll of camp is high, the team's leadership is focused on building the mental toughness required to compete in the NFC East.
With the first preseason game just around the corner in August, the Cowboys are in a race against time. The primary goals are clear: get healthy, solidify the patchwork offensive line, and see if the flashes shown by young players like Blue and Holden are sustainable. The adversity is here early, but for a team under a new coaching staff aiming to rebound, this trial by fire in Oxnard could forge the resilience they'll need for the long season ahead.
