Cowboys vs. Seahawks Preseason: 5 Roster Storylines to Watch
The Dallas Cowboys are out of Oxnard and are now focused on their second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
With the training camp grind now easing somewhat, games are now where players can either help or hinder their chances of making the final 53-man roster.
Several players flashed against in the 28-23 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium, but now the challenge is to do it again.
So what are some storylines to keep an eye on at Lumen Field with a 9 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday?
1. Can Deuce Vaughn solidify the No. 2 running back spot? For many, the thought of Deuce Vaughn being the No. 2 back behind Tony Pollard was a little farfetched, but after his exploits not only in training camp but against the Jaguars, there is a sense that he has catapulted himself past Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis for the role.
Against the Seahawks, Deuce has a chance to own the running back battle with another impressive performance. Of course, Dowdle and Davis won't let up in their efforts to secure the role, but Vaughn could possibly end it as a discussion on Saturday.
2. Jalen Tolbert to win WR4 position? Like Vaughn above, Tolbert likely has two hands on his position as it stands. After impressing during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, many wanted to see Tolbert in live NFL action.
Well, against the Jaguars, Tolbert showed out in his limited opportunities. With KaVontae Turpin and Semi Fehoko also seeing chances, there is a crowd for snaps ... but Tolbert can slam the door shut on WR4 ... if it isn't already.
3. John Stephens Jr., the fifth Horseman? As far as players coming out of nowhere and making an impact, receiver-turned-tight end John Stephens Jr. is one that has surprised many.
At this stage of his career, Stephens Jr. is seen as a project player. But after leading the Cowboys in receiving yards against the Jaguars (five receptions for 56 yards and a TD), there is a thought that potentially he is thrusting himself into calculations for a spot on the 53-man roster.
With Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker No. 1 and No. 2 on the tight end depth chart, could Stephens Jr. pass "The Legend of Peyton Hendershot''? While for some, that might be laughable, but stick with us here.
If Stephens Jr. leads the Cowboys in receiving yards again and looks good doing it, perhaps a conversation might need to be had. ... if not about Hendershot, then surely about present No. 4 guy Sean McKeon.
4. Damone Clark's continued rise Clark's preseason has been impressive. After stepping into the deep end last season, Clark flourished, and now he's improving at a rapid rate.
Against the Jaguars, Clark made play after play as he looked comfortable in coordinator Dan Quinn's defense.
The chance to stack another good game presents itself, and while Micah Parsons' shift to defensive end nearly full-time is well-known, if Clark can show he can partner Leighton Vander Esch and produce to the level he did against Jacksonville, then the former LSU product could be in for a breakout season and allow Micah to do whatever he pleases, positionally, on game day.
5. Brandon Aubrey to calm kicker fears? This is perhaps one of the most intriguing roster positions, and exactly what will happen going forward is unknown. Whether the Cowboys are trying to convince themselves that Aubrey is "the guy" or whether they don't want to spend the money on getting a veteran kicker, on Saturday, answers to both are about due.
Aubrey was solid against the Jaguars and, by all reports, had a steady week kicking in Oxnard, as John Fassel stated that his kicker "has game."
He gets another opportunity against the Seahawks, as the Cowboys will look to give him as many chances as possible to show that the kicker position shouldn't be something to worry about. ... and that a phone call to a free agent vet is unnecessary.
COWBOYS FISH REPORT … now a podcast! Join us inside The Star, ANY TIME!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?
Follow FishSports on Twitter
Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter
Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook
Subscribe to the Cowboys Fish Report on YouTube for constant daily Cowboys live reports!
