5 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Storylines

The Backfield

Dallas was widely expected to address the running back position in the draft following Tony Pollard's free agency departure. Instead, the Cowboys brought back a familiar face in 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott. Though not the player he once was, Elliott is the favorite to lead the backfield, with Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, and Malik Davis also competing for playing time. 

Dak Prescott's Future/Backup QB Battle

With starting quarterback Dak Prescott entering the final year of his contract, speculation about his future with the organization has come into focus. Prescott can't be franchise-tagged next year, making 2024 a critical season for the veteran. While Prescott is under the microscope, attention will also be focused on the backup QB battle between former third overall pick Trey Lance and Cooper Rush. Lance's performance in particular could significantly impact his NFL future and the Cowboys' long-term plans at the position.

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

New-Look Offensive Line

The Cowboys are undergoing major changes up front with the departures of future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and former Pro Bowler Tyler Biadasz. Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are expected to step up, with Guyton likely replacing Smith at left tackle and Beebe battling for the starting center position. How this revamped line performs will be crucial to Dallas' offensive success.

Defensive Scheme Under Mike Zimmer

Dallas' defensive coordinator from 2000-2006, Mike Zimmer returns to replace the departed Dan Quinn, who inked a deal with the Washington Commanders to become their new head coach. Led by star pass rusher Micah Parsons, the Cowboys defense was one of the elite units under Quinn, leading the league in turnovers for three consecutive seasons. That said, Dallas struggled in the run game late last year, particularly in its postseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, an area Zimmer will surely look to bolster.

The Backfield

Dallas was widely expected to address the running back position in the draft following Tony Pollard's free agency departure. Instead, the Cowboys brought back a familiar face in 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott. Though not the player he once was, Elliott is the favorite to lead the backfield, with Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, and Malik Davis also competing for playing time.