Cowboys at Seahawks Preview: Preseason Standouts, Position Battles

The Dallas Cowboys stay on the West Coast to face the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday in the second of their three preseason games. This matchup is highlighted by a deeper look at preseason standouts and and a few key position battles.

Most of the Cowboys starters, including quarterback Dak Prescott, watched from the sidelines during last week's exhibition game. Prescott has not played during preseason since 2019. He will again be out on Saturday vs. Seattle.

The wait continues to see coach Mike McCarthy calling plays for the No. 1 offense. However, preseason is an excellent opportunity to watch players vying to make the roster, while others make a case for major playing time ...

Like running back Deuce Vaughn, who was a standout in the Cowboys' preseason week one loss to Jacksonville. Vaughn carried the ball eight times for 50 yards and a touchdown, and caught three passes for six yards.

Quarterback Will Grier is coming off a solid performance in which the backup played three quarters, completing 22-of-31 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Grier is expected to carry the load at Seattle. He figures as the QB of record here as the Cowboys announced plan is to sit about two dozen front-line guys, including Dak Prescott.

Last but not least: Against the Jaguars, receiver Jalen Tolbert marked his improvement with an impressive performance as he hauled in two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas' many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Tuesday, Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. Dallas' 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.

The Dallas defense will have a chance to get after Seattle quarterback Drew Lock, as starting QB Geno Smith will be held out.

The 2023 Dallas squad hopes to improve on a 12-5 campaign and usurp the Philadelphia Eagles as NFC East Division champions.

Who will emerge at backup running back and No. 4 receiver? How will kicker Brandon Aubrey do? The preseason slate may help some of the lingering Cowboys questions.

INJURY UPDATE: The Cowboys let out a sign of relief on Wednesday as they announced that the leg issue that forced Micah Parsons out of Tuesday's training camp workout is nothing serious.

"He's fine to go,'' said coach Mike McCarthy, suggesting Parsons should be able to practice despite having had his calf area taped up by the training staff and remaining on the sideline on Tuesday.

FUN FACT: Led by first-round pick offensive lineman Tyler Smith (1,095 snaps), Cowboys rookies played the fourth-most offensive snaps in the league (2,075) last season.

RECORDS: Dallas Cowboys (0-1 preseason) at Seattle Seahawks (1-0 preseason)

ODDS: Dallas is a 7-point underdog vs. the Seahawks.

GAME TIME: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9 p.m. CT

LOCATION: Lumen Field - Seattle, Wash.

TV/RADIO: CBS 11, 105.3 The Fan

THE FINAL WORD: Parsons posted a prediction after his former Dallas teammate Ezekiel Elliott signs with the New England Patriots:

"Zeke going for 2k yards!'' Micah tweeted in support.

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