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          2025 Dallas Cowboys training camp: Latest intel, updates

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          • Todd ArcherJul 26, 2025, 09:40 PM
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              Todd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys. Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003. He joined ESPN in 2010.
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          Training camps have kicked off around the NFL, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Dallas Cowboys' camp is taking place in Oxnard, California, and Cowboys reporter Todd Archer has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.

          What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Cowboys camp. We will update this file often. How do Dak Prescott and the offense look? What's new with Micah Parsons? Who are the breakouts to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?

          Let's get into it all, and be sure to keep checking back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins on Aug. 7.

          Camp updates for all 32 teams

          Latest news from Cowboys camp

          Saturday, July 26

          Cornerback Kaiir Elam might have created the best celebration in the history of Dallas Cowboys training camp.

          After Elam intercepted a Dak Prescott pass intended for wide receiver Jalen Tolbert near the sideline late in Saturday's practice, he reached into the stands and pulled a youngster out on to the field, lifting him in the air like it was a scene out of "The Lion King."

          The rest of the defensive backs and linebackers joined into the celebration drawing a huge cheer from the fans.

          "It was like I was holding Simba," Elam said with a smile after the practice.

          It was second interception of training camp for Elam, who was acquired in the offseason in a trade from the Buffalo Bills.

          More:

          • The pads come on for the first time in camp on Sunday. Count left guard Tyler Smith as ready. "Football ultimately isn't played in t-shirts," Smith said. "I feel like these days have been good just in terms of getting acclimated, but I truly do think it's all about when those pads come on. I think the guys are ready. Energy has been high all camp. We've emphasized this is going to be a physical, physical camp and that's something I want to embrace."

          • Free-agent pickup Rob Jones was the right guard with the first-team offense on instead of rookie first-round pick Tyler Booker. His first play must not have gone well because he was replaced by Booker, although he returned after the quick absence.

          • Another free agent addition, edge rusher Payton Turner, was active early in team drills, getting in the backfield for a would-be stop on running back Deuce Vaughn and pressuring Prescott into a scramble.

          • Safety Juanyeh Thomas showed a lot of range on an interception of a Joe Milton III pass down the sideline intended for wideout Ryan Flournoy.

          • Milton ended practice with a pretty throw down the seam to tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, who was able to find some separation between the linebacker and safety.

          Friday, July 25

          The Cowboys had their first off day of camp on Friday; in part to rest the legs and in part to make sure they're ready for their two practices over the weekend that, in theory, should bring some more fans to the practice site.

          What those fans will see from the Cowboys' defense is one that will do anything and everything to take the ball away. After a down year last year with takeaways, Brian Schottenheimer believes the Cowboys will be back near the top of the league again in 2025.

          Just about every individual drill with the linebackers and defensive backs relates to taking the ball away. Whenever there is a loose ball on the ground, a defender is scooping it up. It's what new coordinator Matt Eberflus learned in his first go-round with the Cowboys under Rod Marinelli.

          Unofficially through three practices, the defense has forced nine takeaways in team drills -- five interceptions, four fumbles.

          "That's just our standard as a defense," linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. said. "That's what Coach Flus has come in and put down, so that's what we're upholding."

          Thursday, July 24

          While everybody waits for Micah Parsons to practice if/when an extension is agreed upon, second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku is making the most of his opportunity at practice.

          For the last two days, Ezeirauku has been one of the best players on the field. He read a screen pass to running back Jaydon Blue, then perfectly timed the snap to get at least a pressure on Dak Prescott, if not a sack, on a play that ended with a Malik Hooker interception.

          "The timing of his footwork for a rookie, the ability to take two steps and up and under is dynamic," coach Brian Schottenheimer said. "His pass rush adjustments and how he can react off of how a guy plays him, whether using his inside hand or an outside hand punch, is impressive.

          "We're seeing what we loved about him on film. The speed and the effortlessness that it takes to rush the passer is really good. But he also, again, to his credit, he's more than just the one trick pony that's a pass rusher, man. He can set the edge with that length that he has."

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          • Right tackle Terence Steele did not practice because of a right ankle injury that needed more examination. Hakeem Adeniji took turns with the first-team offense. Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. missed practice with the impending birth of a child. That gave Damone Clark more action in practice and he had a nice pass breakup and forced fumble.

          • Tempers flared a couple of times including between CeeDee Lamb and nickel corner Kemon Hall. After Lamb was able to out-physical Hall for a touchdown grab, the corner shoved Lamb, who then threw the football in Hall's face. Hall then threw it back at Lamb but it was quickly snuffed out.

          • For the first time in camp, Brandon Aubrey attempted some field goals. The Pro Bowler made five of his six tries with his only miss coming from 44 yards into a strong wind that was wide to the right. He followed that with makes from 49 and 50 yards.

          • Not sure if this is a record for shortest backfields in NFL history but at one point Deuce Vaughn (5-5) and KaVontae Turpin (5-7) were lined up together.

          • In addition to the Malik Hooker interception on the aforementioned Ezeiruaku play, the defense forced three other interceptions with two fumbles and an interception.

          • In red zone drills, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders had touchdown runs on consecutive plays. A reminder that the Cowboys had just six rushing touchdowns last year.

          • The arm of Joe Milton II was on display when he ripped a crossing route throw to Parris Campbell, but his best throw came later when he changed his arm angle while moving to his left to find Turpin for a nice gain.

          Wednesday, July 23

          Brian Schottenheimer delayed practice for a bit Tuesday after a scuffle broke out between safety Markquese Bell and tight end Tyler Neville, saying he would kick the next player who got into a fight off the practice field.

          While the coach enjoys the intensity, he wants it channeled in the right direction. He spent the morning meeting talking about back-to-back plays where defensive end Sam Williams was too physical and was sent to the sideline.

          "We've got to be professional," wide receiver CeeDee Lamb said. "I get it that we have a lot of animosity and tension between us and understanding that we want to proclaim our dominance and show like aggressiveness on both sides of the ball, but then again, to what extent?"

          There were no scuffles after the impromptu team meeting.

          More:

          • Second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku was just about everywhere against the run and the pass. The edge player was in the backfield a ton, forcing a checkdown. He was able to hold his ground against the run as well. A strong start for the rookie.

          • CB DaRon Bland was not at Wednesday's practice as he awaited the birth of his child. Andrew Booth Jr. and Caelen Carson saw some time with the first team, while Kemon Hall worked in the nickel, too.

          • WR George Pickens put a brief scare into folks when he remained on the ground after a pass. Appeared he was suffering from cramps in his left calf. He received some extra stretching, but he did not appear to be in any distress the rest of the workout, although the No. 1 offense did not take a rep after he went down.

          • Through two days, the defense has been aggressive in going after the ball. CB Kaiir Elam had a pick of Dak Prescott on a crossing route to Jalen Tolbert. LB Jack Sanborn forced a fumble. DE Marshawn Kneeland came up with a fumble recovery.

          • WR Jonathan Mingo came up with a diving catch on an out-and-up from Joe Milton III much to the delight of the crowd.

          • OL Saahdiq Charles was able to plant an on-rushing Perrion Winfrey, lifting the DT off the ground during team drills.

          • Some position flexibility notes: Nathan Thomas worked at left and right tackle. Matt Waletzko has seen time at left guard the first two days.

          Tuesday, July 22

          Who will be the Cowboys' running back? Coach Brian Schottenheimer said once the pads come on that the battle will hit full speed because of the nature of the position.

          But as the Cowboys opened practice Tuesday with a non-padded workout. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders alternated with the starters during the eight team periods. Williams had five carries and Sanders finished with six.

          Deuce Vaughn and Jaydon Blue split the work behind backup quarterback Joe Milton III.

          • Interesting to see Trevon Diggs (knee) do some of his rehab work wearing a helmet and then other parts without his cleats on.

          • The defense was active with DE Marshawn Kneeland coming up with a pick of Prescott while dropping to the flat on a pass intended for Sanders. There were at least two forced fumbles on ballcarriers down the field, including one where DaRon Bland punched the ball free from George Pickens.

          • With Parsons not taking part in team drills, Dante Fowler Jr. and Kneeland were the first-team defensive ends.