The Dallas Cowboys find themselves stuck in a frustrating middle ground. Their legendary status and massive fanbase remain intact, but their last taste of championship glory came thirty years ago. Today, they’re still one of the most talked-about franchises in the NFL, though not always for the right reasons.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones may believe any publicity is good publicity, but the harsh reality persists: his team hasn’t captured a Super Bowl since the Clinton administration.
That reality makes every season feel like a crossroads for Dallas and its passionate fanbase, who keep wondering if this might finally be the year their team has what it takes to reach the Super Bowl.
Will the Dallas Cowboys Play Their Starters Against the Baltimore Ravens?
The short answer is no. However, one notable exception might take the field.
Micah Parsons’ ongoing holdout is well-documented, but even if he had secured a long-term deal, risking injury in what essentially amounts to a dress rehearsal wouldn’t make sense for Dallas.
Quarterback Dak Prescott will stay on the sideline, giving backup Joe Milton III the nod to start. While there’s no realistic chance of anyone challenging Prescott’s starting role, Milton can use these valuable reps to develop his game.
The Cowboys do have some intriguing young talents battling for roster spots, making Saturday’s game crucial for their futures.
Running back Phil Mafah earned significant snaps against the Rams last week and should see even more opportunities if Jaydon Blue remains sidelined. Mafah managed 36 yards on 10 carries, though he had a promising run wiped out by a penalty. His powerful running style and ability to fall forward after contact make him an intriguing option as the Cowboys work to sort out their backfield depth chart.
The one starter likely to see action is offensive guard Tyler Booker. He sat out the Rams game after Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer determined he hadn’t fully recovered from a demanding joint practice session.
While Booker is expected to claim a starting role, he’s still a rookie who desperately needs game-speed experience. Expect Dallas to give him substantial reps to evaluate his readiness for the regular season.
Undrafted rookie free agent Zion Childress has impressed enough to earn first-team defensive reps in practice. The Cowboys should give him plenty of field time to determine whether he can lock down their nickel position.
The Cowboys host the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
