Dallas Cowboys' July 29 practice report: Defense dominates as Kaiir Elam intercepts Dak Prescott, but a major injury to rookie Tyler Guyton shakes the O-line.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads were popping in Oxnard on Tuesday, but the loudest sounds were a pick-six whistle and a collective gasp from Cowboys Nation. In a classic 'iron sharpens iron' practice, the Dallas defense looked ferocious, highlighted by a Kaiir Elam interception of Dak Prescott. However, the victory was soured by troubling news on the offensive line, as a key injury to rookie tackle Tyler Guyton has put the team's depth to an immediate and unwelcome test.
The defense remained aggressive, with CB Kaiir Elam intercepting Dak Prescott and LB Jack Sanborn forcing a fumble recovered by DE Marshawn Kneeland.
The biggest story of the day was the update on first-round pick Tyler Guyton. While the team breathed a sigh of relief that his knee injury won't require surgery, the word is he will miss significant time. As confirmed on 'Cowboys StoryLine,' this development immediately thrusts the team's offensive line depth into the spotlight. In practice, Nathan Thomas showed his versatility by taking reps at both tackle spots, while Saahdiq Charles also impressed in drills. Still, losing a projected starter before the first preseason game is a major blow and puts immense pressure on the unit to gel quickly against a defensive front that looks downright nasty, with rookie Marshawn Kneeland getting in on the action by recovering a fumble forced by Jack Sanborn.
While the line sorts itself out, the battle for the starting running back spot is officially a two-man race. The team gave Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders a nearly even split with the first-team offense, with Sanders logging six carries to Williams' five during team periods. Both are getting every opportunity to prove they can lead this backfield. Behind them, Deuce Vaughn and rookie Jaydon Blue handled the reps with backup QB Joe Milton III, creating another intriguing competition for the RB3 role. As discussed on 'Talkin' Cowboys,' this daily rep-count is one of the most compelling subplots of camp.
The defense wasn't just winning in the trenches; they were making plays all over the field. The highlight of the day was cornerback Kaiir Elam stepping in front of a Dak Prescott pass for an interception, a statement play from a player looking to carve out a significant role. This brand of aggressive, ball-hawking defense has been a theme in camp and is creating a legitimate challenge for the offense. The intensity is palpable, and it's forcing the offensive skill players, like standout receiver Jonathan Mingo, to be perfect on every rep.
While it's only July, the battle lines are clearly drawn. The immediate focus will be on the offensive line and how they adapt without Guyton. Can Nathan Thomas and Saahdiq Charles rise to the occasion? Meanwhile, the running back rotation will remain under a microscope with every snap. The offense needs to find its rhythm against a defense that smells blood in the water. All eyes now turn to the next few practices and the fast-approaching preseason opener against the Rams on August 9th, which will be the first true test for this revamped Cowboys squad.
