Dallas

Cowboys

Austin announced his retirement on his Instagram on Tuesday, saying “after an incredible ten years, I’m officially retiring from the NFL.” The former first-round pick was a phenom in college at West Virginia, totaling 4,446 yards from scrimmage in 52 games. The Rams selected Austin in the 2013 draft and he went on to total over 1,000 yards as a rusher, receiver, and returner each over his career. After five seasons with the Rams, he spent time with the Cowboys, 49ers, Packers, Jaguars, and Bills either on the active roster, practice squad, or offseason roster. Injuries derailed much of Austin’s career towards the end, but he will best be known as a triple-threat weapon with the Rams. Austin retires at 34, saying “just like seasons, they come to an end, and it’s time for me to enter my next chapter in life”.

Prescott didn’t play in Sunday’s preseason game against the Rams and was held out of practice last Friday as a precautionary measure after experiencing some soreness in his ankle. Prescott was spotted in a boot earlier this offseason while deep-sea fishing, but later said that was due to flare-ups he has experienced in the past while doing similar activities. Dak has been present and participating in Cowboys training camp while hoping for a new extension, but that doesn’t appear to be coming any time soon. It doesn’t sound like there’s anything to be too concerned about regarding his ankle despite last week’s brief absence.

Brooks is listed as holdout WR CeeDee Lamb’s direct backup. He stuffed the stat sheet as a Cowboys starter on Sunday, securing a 43-yard reception on the first drive and finishing with one contested catch, one missed tackle forced and one explosive, 15-plus-yard pass play. More showings like this could earn him the right to compete with presumed three-wide receiver-set starter Jalen Tolbert.

Dowdle got the start with 29-year-old, penciled-in starter Ezekiel Elliott a healthy inactive. Dowdle notched one missed tackle forced. It remains a backfield battle to monitor.

Rush got the start, playing one drive before being benched. PFF credits him with one big-time throw and he threw two-of-three passes beyond the sticks. It’s a good start for the Cowboys’ primary backup.

Booth’s disappointing 2022 rookie season culminated in a season-ending knee injury but he made significant improvements in 2023, tallying 99 coverage snaps. Booth reduced his catch rate allowed by 31.3 percent (50.0 percent), his yards allowed per coverage snap by 2.19 (0.30) and recorded a perfect 0.0 percent explosive pass plays allowed rate (15-plus yards). He makes for an intriguing depth piece in the Cowboys’ secondary.

Wright (third round) and Booth (second round) are former, recent Day 2 draft picks. The move provides both players with a fresh start following volatile early-career showings. The strength of Wright’s play has largely been in run defense but he did produce a career-best 0.69 yards allowed per coverage snap last season.

The report comes from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Prescott’s lower extremity made headlines in early July when the Cowboys quarterback was seen sporting a walking boot during a fishing trip. Conflicting reports cited the boot as a precautionary measure used to protect the ankle that was devastatingly injured during the 2020 season, though Ian Rapoport suggested a minor foot sprain was in play. Unless this results in an extended absence, fantasy managers can assume this is part of a pre-planned load management program. The situation will be monitored though.

Alrighty then. Lamb, who has not reported to camp as he awaits his new deal, responded with a one-word quote tweet of “lol.” Either Jones is playing hardball or has lost his fastball, as this would not be a recommended negotiating tactic with a player the Cowboys desperately need for 2024.

The Cowboys’ depth chart has veteran Ezekiel Elliott leading the way with Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, and others competing in the backfield. In a projection of the Cowboys’ 53-man roster, Machota projects Elliott, Dowdle, Freeman, and fullback Hunter Luepke to be the team’s backs. He especially said, “at this point, it would be a surprise for Dowdle not to make it” onto the roster. Elliott will likely be the No. 1 back with the veteran status and production he’s given the Cowboys in his career. However, the 26-year-old Dowdle has been doing well in camp and now Machota has him as the “favorite to lead the team in rushing.” There are still preseason games to see the backfield pecking order, but Dowdle is catching some steam to be a major value at his current price in fantasy.