Anticipation Builds: Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb’s Representative Set to Discuss Contract This Weekend – Brandon Loree, BTB

This weekend might finally bring clarity to CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation.

As the countdown to Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns looms just 16 days away, tensions are rising regarding Lamb’s holdout. It’s hoped that discussions between his representative, Tony Dandy, and the Cowboys will lead to a resolution this weekend.

Lamb’s absence from the team’s entire offseason program has raised questions among fans about how long it might take him to regain his peak football condition upon his return to the team.

Fortunately, Lamb has been proactive, training independently in Florida with Dr. Sharif Tabbah of Alkeme Sports, alongside his offseason position coach, Delfonte Diamond. Recently, he shared a workout video on Instagram, showcasing his dedication and the intensity of his training regimen.

In addition to his solo workouts, Lamb has made a concerted effort to maintain his connection with quarterback Dak Prescott. The two have met multiple times this offseason to work out together, ensuring their chemistry remains sharp even during this holdout period.

CeeDee Lamb Shares His Commitment to Training Amid Ongoing Contract Negotiations – Zach Bachar, Bleacher Report

As he awaits a call from the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb is staying focused on his fitness.

CeeDee Lamb is eagerly waiting for the Dallas Cowboys to reach out regarding his contract, striving to secure a long-term deal before the 2024 season begins.

“Still waiting on that phone call, but until then we grind,” Lamb remarked in a recent Instagram video shared on Friday, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to staying in shape.

“Control what I can control, and that’s to be the best version of me,” he emphasized.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, negotiations between Lamb and the Cowboys are progressing, with both parties reportedly “not all that far apart” on contract terms.

Lamb’s ongoing absence from training camp raises concerns, and the Cowboys may feel the urgency to finalize a deal to ensure he is available for their critical Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on September 8.

Key Players Competing for Roster Spots in Cowboys Preseason Finale – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated

The Cowboys are known for their commitment to developing draft picks, yet Villiami Fehoko’s future with the team is uncertain following recent struggles.

Villiami Fehoko, Jr., Defensive End

Originally a fourth-round pick in 2023, Villiami Fehoko secured a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie but did not see any game action during the regular season. Unfortunately, he has spent significant time on injured reserve this year due to a knee injury.

This season presented him with an opportunity to rise in the depth chart, especially after the departures of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, Jr. in free agency. An injury to Sam Williams, while unfortunate, also opened the door for the San Jose State product.

However, Fehoko has struggled to take advantage of this opportunity. Following a poor performance against the Rams, he delivered another lackluster outing against Las Vegas. Despite possessing the talent to be a disruptive force on the edge, he appears to be lacking confidence. This could jeopardize his chances unless he can turn things around in the upcoming game against the Chargers.

Top 10 Headlines from Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard – SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News

The infusion of youth within the Cowboys organization is making a significant impact.

While this year’s rookies have captured much of the attention, players like DT Mazi Smith, WR Jalen Brooks, and LB DeMarvion Overshown are expected to make significant strides in their second year.

Overshown impressed at last year’s camp but faced injury setbacks, while Smith struggled early as many rookies do. Both have shown notable progress this year, although Smith was briefly sidelined due to an allergic reaction. Meanwhile, Brooks has elevated his game, transitioning from working primarily with Rush to earning reps alongside Prescott.

It isn’t only the second-year players making strides; WR Jalen Tolbert is also developing his chemistry with Prescott after a slow start to his NFL career. TE Jake Ferguson, a key component of the Cowboys’ offense, is poised for a breakout year as he looks to build on his previous success.

Performance Analysis: Every 2024 NFL Draft Pick’s Impact in Preseason – Staff, ESPN

While the Day One and Day Two picks are virtually guaranteed roster spots, the status of this year’s Day Three selections remains uncertain. Here’s an overview from Todd Archer.

Round 5 (No. 174): Caelen Carson, CB. Carson has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of camp, showcasing his ability to intercept passes and play aggressively on the outside. If any issues arise with the top three corners, the Cowboys would have no hesitation in utilizing him.

Round 6 (No. 216): Ryan Flournoy, WR. Flournoy has demonstrated potential with reliable hands, although consistency has been an ongoing challenge. If the Cowboys decide to keep six receivers, he could secure a spot.

Round 7 (No. 233): Nathan Thomas, OL. Unfortunately, Thomas has been unable to practice in recent weeks due to knee tendinitis, which may lead to him being placed on injured reserve or released and moved to the practice squad.

Round 7 (No. 244): Justin Rogers, DT. Rogers has performed decently, but the Cowboys are still seeking veteran defensive tackle assistance. Given the current roster situation, it seems likely that the practice squad may be the best option for him at this point.

Is RB Deuce Vaughn Ready to Solidify His Place on the Cowboys Roster? – Reid Hanson, Cowboys Wire

Deuce Vaughn delivered an impressive performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, but he needs to build on that success to secure a roster spot.

Vaughn’s situation is favorable, given the underwhelming depth at the Cowboys’ running back position. With the departure of Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ running back corps appears lackluster. A potential reunion with Ezekiel Elliott seems more about establishing a baseline than elevating the team’s performance. Veteran Royce Freeman remains on the roster, though he has not stood out. Apart from 26-year-old Rico Dowdle, there are no game-changing talents in the current lineup. If Vaughn can prove that his recent performance wasn’t a one-time occurrence, he could secure a significant role in the Cowboys’ roster.

In the Cowboys’ final preseason game against the Chargers, Vaughn has another opportunity to demonstrate that he has the skills the 2024 roster requires. It’s not solely about rushing yards or average yards per carry; it’s about adding value to the running game. Can Vaughn evade tacklers? Can he withstand contact in the backfield and avoid negative plays? Can he contribute in the passing game, whether in pass protection or as a receiving target?

These are the critical questions Vaughn must answer. He has successfully re-entered the conversation, but the challenge now is to prove that his prior performance was not a fluke, and that he can be a valuable asset to this talent-thirsty running back group.

Trey Lance Faces High Stakes in Cowboys Preseason Finale – Mauricio Rodriguez, AtoZ Sports

Trey Lance is in desperate need of another standout performance.

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, the stakes for the team are relatively low as they shift their focus toward the upcoming regular season.

However, for many players taking the field, the situation is anything but relaxed; for those on the roster bubble, this game is a critical opportunity.

For quarterback Trey Lance, countless dollars may be on the line. This is not merely about making the 53-man roster, a feat he seems to have achieved, but it could be his last game before entering free agency in 2025.

While the NFL market for quarterbacks is dominated by those signing contracts exceeding $50 million annually (with Dak Prescott potentially reaching $60 million+ soon), there remains a significant market for non-franchise quarterbacks securing lucrative deals in the double-digit millions.