6 Dallas Cowboys Who Need a Strong Preseason Debut vs. Seahawks

The Dallas Cowboys aren't expected to play their starters much, if at all, during the upcoming preseason. This should come as no surprise to anyone who watched the team a year ago as head coach Brian Schottenheimer was reluctant to expose any of their key players to unnecessary hits in the preseason.

That doesn't mean these games aren't important. They are still incredibly vital for players who are fighting for a spot on the roster and want to prove themselves in game situations.

Here we look at six such players who need to perform well in the Cowboys' preseason debut this Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Traeshon Holden, WR

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Traeshon Holden stretches before practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As an undrafted free agent a year ago, Traeshon Holden made a name for himself with a strong training camp. His performance wasn't enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster as Holden spent the year on the practice squad.

Entering year two, Holden has been even better and is said to be higher on the depth chart than expected. Still, Dallas has had several players step up recently, including Camden Brown, which is putting plenty of pressure on Holden. That's why he needs to step up in the preseason to ensure no one surpasses him.

Caelen Carson, CB

Dallas Cowboys CB Caelen Carson goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cornerback was a weakness heading into camp but the competition has heated up. Shavon Revel and Cobie Durant have been excellent and are battling for the starting spot opposite DaRon Bland.

Behind them, Caelen Carson has also been playing well, but needs to fend off Devin Moore, Derion Kendrick, Reddy Steward, and Josh Butler. It's a tight race and Carson needs to do something to separate himself from the pack.

Nate Thomas, OT

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Nate Thomas blocks Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Earlier this offseason, Brian Schottenheimer said Nate Thomas would compete for the starting left tackle spot. That no longer appears to be the case as Thomas has been working with the second team at right tackle during camp. He's suddenly in danger of losing the swing tackle spot to rookie Drew Shelton and can use the preseason to remind the coaching staff why they liked him so much entering the offseason.

Marist Liufau, EDGE

Dallas Cowboys EDGE Marist Liufau at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the changes Christian Parker made this offseason was moving Marist Liufau from linebacker to EDGE. It's a brand new position for Liufau, who has the physical tools to get the job done. He's also been stepping up his performance in practice lately, sending him into the preseason with rising stock. Liufau is firmly on the bubble but can lock up a spot with a strong preseason, which begins on Saturday.

Joe Milton, QB

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III drops back to pass during the third quarter against the New York Giants. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Added in a trade with the New England Patriots last year, Joe Milton was the QB2 throughout the season for Dallas. When he was first added, there was plenty of excitement for the rocket-armed quarterback, but he had issues with consistency throughout the preseason. That's been the case again this year, as Milton is falling behind Sam Howell in the battle for the backup spot. Milton enters the preseason on the roster bubble and can't afford any lackluster performances.

Sam Howell, QB

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just as Milton can't afford to slip up, Sam Howell can't surrender any ground. He's been the more consistent signal-caller during camp but a poor performance against Seattle can erase a lot of the goodwill he's built up. On the other hand, if he comes out and impresses, he might be able to lock up his spot in a hurry.

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