LAS VEGAS - The Cowboys will head to Las Vegas on Saturday to play to Raiders in the first-ever game in team history in Vegas.
It'll be the second preseason game for both teams and it should include several players who will make this team - and quite a few on the outside looking in.
The staff writers each picked two guys to watch for the Cowboys on both sides of the ball.
Nick Harris: After just two offensive series and zero targets in the first preseason game, I'm watching to see what kind of producton Tyron Billy-Johnson gets in Saturday's game. A speedy, downfield threat that can help push the ball for Trey Lance, Billy-Johnson has had a strong camp but needs to parlay it with a strong outing in one or both of the remaining preseason games.
Nick Harris: The more reps, the better for Marist Liufau, as the rookie third-round pick has taken on more responsibilities than expected in Mike Zimmer's defense early on, and he's shined with those opportunities. In a game where the youth is expected to be on full display, there could be even more on the table for Liufau in Saturday's game as he continues to impress the coaching staff and spectators alike.
Patrik Walker: I'm truly keyed in on Deuce Vaughn in this game, and for several reasons. The talented young running back missed the preseason opener and several practice prior due to a hamstring injury, and that happened following a rookie season that saw him struggle to get going in the Cowboys' offense. Vaughn is desperately trying to carve out a role on the offense (RB? WR? Combo?) and that means using what needs to be a big showing against the Raiders to help propel the cause forward.
Patrik Walker: It'll be fun to see if the Cowboys' secondary can walk away with a handful of interceptions against this week, but my eyes are also going to be affixed to Justin Rogers as the battle for snaps at nose tackle heats up. The rookie seventh-round pick was my favorite to land the seat directly behind Mazi Smith in 2024, and he's taking those steps, but Jordan Phillips will suit up in the next few days to ratchet up the heat there; and I'm interested in seeing if that trade news speeds up Rogers' development.
Nick Eatman: I've been waiting to see what Royce Freeman has to bring to this offense for a while and now that he's back from a groin injury, he should be able to play Saturday. Freeman is one of those guys that gets overlooked for some reason but because of his special teams experience, and the fact he's played and started games at running back, he shouldn't be forgotten. Who knows how long he'll play and behind what kind of offensive line, but if Freeman can pick up blitzes, get a few nice runs and maybe catch the ball out of the backfield, it was largely help his chances of making this football team.
Nick Eatman: Hey, Eric Scott - great job getting that interception in the first preseason game. Now, let's do it again. While that sounds a bit harsh, that's just the cold reality of trying make an NFL roster, especially when the Cowboys obviously like rookie Caelen Carson and just traded for Andrew Booth. So for Scott to make the team, he's going to have to make more plays like he did in the first game and stack some good tape against each other. But the cornerback room is getting crowded all of a sudden and while Scott was able to make the roster last year without playing any, it's unlikely that could be the case again. He's going to have to prove himself and what better spot than in the game Saturday night.
