The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for a trip to Ohio to take part in the first exhibition game of the 2021 season. Their opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers as both franchises are being represented in the weekend’s enshrinement at the Hall of Fame. The first of four preseason games for each club is one more than the rest of the league will get to prepare for the regular season and it’s helpful for the Cowboys as they not only are dealing with a myriad of offseason surgery recoveries, but also will face off in the Thursday kickoff in Week 1, three days before every other NFL club.
With the extra game, precaution is available to hold out players from a contest and still get them a fair amount of exhibition work. Mike McCarthy and staff are taking advantage of that, holding 16 of their 90 players out, and keeping them in Oxnard instead of traveling across country. QB Dak Prescott, who is nursing a muscle strain in his throwing shoulder, headlines seven players from offense who won’t make the trip. Recently signed safety Malik Hooker, who is still working into football shape and not participating in practices just yet, is one of eight defenders. Also missing the trip will be kicker Greg Zuerlein, who is just returning to practice after offseason back surgery.
Also on the list of recent surgery outpatients are DE DeMarcus Lawrence and WR Amari Cooper. Lawrence returned to practice on Tuesday. Offensive linemen Zack Martin and Tyron Smith aren’t making the trip, but right tackle La’el Collins will be there after missing all of 2020 due to hip surgery.
Here’s the full list of who isn’t going. For a look at the club’s unofficial depth chart, go here.
DE Bradlee Anae
OT Josh Ball
LB Francis Bernard
WR Amari Cooper
DE Chauncey Golston
DB C.J. Goodwin
DT Trysten Hill
S Malik Hooker
TE Blake Jarwin
DE DeMarcus Lawrence
CB Jourdan Lewis
OG Zack Martin
QB Dak Prescott
OT Tyron Smith
WR T.J. Vasher
K Greg Zuerlein
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