A few players in tonight's preseason matchup against the Chargers will look to rebound from a poor performance last week, while others have a chance to lock up a spot on the depth chart.
Let's cut right to the chase—Cooper Rush, Jalen Tolbert, the kickers' Brett Maher, Liram Hajrullahu, and Malik Davis. Rush and Hajrullahu need to rebound from last week. Maher made his only extra point attempt, Hajrullahu missed his lone FG attempt, and we know how lousy Rush looked last week. Tolbert and Davis are fighting to lock up a spot on the depth chart. Tolbert will stay around the WR2 mark when Gallup returns, and Davis is fighting for the RB3 spot.
Rush needs to rebound. I thought Rush was a lock to be the QB2 and would not receive a challenge from anyone before the first regular season game, but after a dismal performance last week, he needs to be much better. The door has opened with Rush only completing 12 of 20 passing attempts for 84 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a 48.8 quarterback rating.
I've mentioned it many times; the win he put together for the Cowboys last season against the Vikings made me think Dallas was fortunate to have a guy that could step in and win a critical game on the road, but after last week, it's not a lock.
With CeeDee Lamb now sideline until possibly week one with the cut on his foot, Tolbert needs to use tonight as a stepping stone. He has already gained Dak Prescott's confidence and did not show much in last week's preseason game. They tried to feature him early, but as mentioned above, the poor play from Rush did no favors. Let's see if he gets a few more snaps in the second preseason game.
Who will win the kicking game, Maher or Hajrullahu? Last week's game did not give us a chance to check out either very much. Hajrullahu missed his one and only FG attempt, while Maher made Dallas's only extra point chance all night. Maher should get the first opportunity tonight when the Cowboys have to settle for an FG. Dallas may still be scratching their heads when week one when a drive stalls and they have to send one of the two out for a 45-yard field goal.
Davis was a bright spot last week; the undrafted free agent from Flordia rushed for 51 yards on eight carries. The RB3 job is up for grabs. Rico Dowdle, as of now, is the holder of that spot, but if Davis can continue to shine, he could find himself taking over that spot on the depth chart.
