What to watch as Cowboys kick off preseason against Rams: Rookies, injuries, and Micah Parsons update

The Dallas Cowboys open their preseason Saturday night against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, offering the first live-action look at new faces, depth pieces, and emerging storylines that could shape the 2025 season.

Rookies in the Spotlight

Dallas’ 2025 rookie class is set to get extended snaps. Second-round edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has impressed with his burst and is close to making his debut. First-round guard Tyler Booker has brought physicality to the line and should see early action. Running backs Jaydon Blue (5th round) and Phil Mafah (7th round) add contrasting styles—Blue’s quickness has earned first-team reps, though an ankle injury Thursday puts his status in question. At the same time, Mafah’s power running has drawn praise from head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Sixth-round tackle Ajani Cornelius and seventh-round defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote provide valuable depth as they battle for roster spots.

Injury Watch

Thursday’s practice saw several players exit early. Tight end Jake Ferguson left with a lower-back issue, Blue was carted off with his ankle injury before walking off under his power, and offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley also departed. Tackle Terence Steele briefly exited but returned. The Cowboys are expected to take a cautious approach with any player nursing an injury this early.

Schottenheimer’s Preseason Approach

The new head coach has emphasized keeping things simple, focusing on fundamentals over flashy schemes. After a recent joint practice, Schottenheimer said they “literally played two coverages… like we were out there playing with a 7-iron,” underscoring the team’s approach to controlled, fundamental reps. Starters will likely get limited snaps, with younger players and depth options handling the bulk of game reps.

Micah Parsons Situation

Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ defensive cornerstone, missed Thursday’s practice amid his ongoing contract negotiations. While he was still present at the team’s facilities, Parsons did not participate in on-field drills. The absence marks his first missed practice since training camp began and comes as tensions continue to build over his future in Dallas. With the preseason opener looming, his status remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team.

Why It Matters

While the scoreboard won’t carry weight, this opener is the first chance to see how rookies perform under game speed, evaluate roster depth, and test positional battles. For the Cowboys, it’s about building momentum, avoiding injuries, and identifying the players ready to step into bigger roles when the regular season arrives.