Even in a Cowboys walkthrough, the headlines still rolled in.
On Saturday, it will be a padded practice. On Saturday, the intensity will be high, and there will be contact. On Saturday, the 2022 Dallas Cowboys will be grueling it out in preparation for their first preseason game nearly a week from now.
However, on Friday, none of the above occurred. The ninth training camp practice was a walkthrough as a way for the players to get simulated reps without straining themselves. There was still media attention, interviews, and one new face. But there were no pads, contact, or speed in Oxnard today. Here is how the day progressed.
Today started with the news that Friday’s practice would be slightly less intensive than usual.
Today’s practice is similar to Wednesday for the #Cowboys, in that it’s more of a walkthrough than anything.
The bang bang boogie returns Saturday.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 5, 2022
But before the players took the field, Kellen Moore sat down with 105.3 The Fan to discuss the nuances of play-calling.
Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore sat down with @1053SS & @rjchoppy to discuss some of the most challenging aspects of calling plays throughout the NFL season. Watch the full interview on our website!⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/LXHN6UrdTK@TommySledge pic.twitter.com/6g6RCTfJac
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 5, 2022
We then got an update on Jabril Cox, with news that Jeremy Sprinkle and Jake Ferguson would be working on strength training instead of participating in the walkthrough.
Jabril Cox is participating in today’s mock game. Which, again, is a walkthrough. But Mike McCarthy did say Cox should practice tomorrow.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 5, 2022
Jake Ferguson (hamstring) and Jeremy Sprinkle (Achilles – inflammation) are off to the side doing rehab work on resistance bands. Not expected to practice tomorrow— per MM.
The issues don’t appear to be serious, though. Both moving fairly well, albeit measured. #Cowboys
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 5, 2022
Then the practice started. Since it was low effort, there are not a lot of takeaways from today’s action. But the WR corps once again looked solid, and Dennis Houston is solidifying a connection with Dak Prescott.
1 on 1 WR DB drills favor the offense. There is no pass rush. WR has cut and run in any direction. It is not real football.
Don’t be a casual and overreact to a db getting beat in 1on1 drills#DallasCowboys— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 5, 2022
Dennis Houston has earned the trust of QB Dak Prescott, who has been overly impressed by the undrafted rookie. Read more updates below ↓#Updates | @Blockchain
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 5, 2022
In case you were wondering what a “walkthrough” looks like, here is an example of one play.
Today is another “mock game” walk-through practice for the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/KV6mt7bDAT
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 5, 2022
There was still a major headline from Oxnard today. The newest Cowboy, Anthony Barr, was at camp.
Welcome to the Fam, @AnthonyBarr ⭐️#CowboysCamp #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/irOUDAMccP
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 5, 2022
New Cowboys LB Anthony Barr pic.twitter.com/9nU0KEdQIJ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 5, 2022
And for now, Barr will be rocking the number 51.
Anthony Barr is wearing No. 51 right now. Mainly because, as he points out, he’s the last guy into camp and there’s not a lot of numbers left.
If he likes it, he might keep it. But that might not be his permanent number.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 5, 2022
The practice itself was uneventful. But the media portion of today’s camp brought some great insights. Can you guess who the star of today’s interviews was?
Waiting for Anthony Barr. pic.twitter.com/bxS7uCRhWZ
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 5, 2022
Barr is not tempering his expectations for the 2022 Cowboys season and what he can do with Dan Quinn.
“I think Dallas is a contender. …I’m excited to be here.”
– Anthony Barr on why he signed with #Cowboys, also points at George Edwards and Dan Quinn pic.twitter.com/vynfG0YZLM
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 5, 2022
Anthony Barr on joining the Cowboys: I’ve heard nothing but great things about DQ, how he operates, and I think Dallas is a contender and I want to be on a team that I felt had a chance to win. I want an opportunity to play, play at a high level and I’m excited to be here. pic.twitter.com/MvzYHn7HKf
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 5, 2022
But other Cowboys received attention as well. Such as Joe Whitt Jr. speaking highly of one Dallas safety.
Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. would like Jayron Kearse to get his flowers, please & thanks pic.twitter.com/5WyH14nKSV
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 5, 2022
Simi Fehoko appears to be impressing coaches.
Cowboys wide receivers coach Robert Prince on second-year vet Simi Fehoko: “That 4.3 speed is showing up.” pic.twitter.com/mCEiAOWApI
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) August 5, 2022
In a relaxed practice such as today, it was the perfect opportunity for some family time with the star of last year’s season of Hard Knocks.
Family time after practice is the purest part of NFL training camp. Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs’ son Aaiden is in Oxnard. Video via @dallascowboys. pic.twitter.com/zOrdrsJn3H
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 5, 2022
But rest assured, tomorrow’s practice will be back to normal.
yep. pads on tomorrow
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 5, 2022