Another fight
Breakout coming?
Hold-in continues?
Happy man
Fine by them?
Multiple jobs
Over the top
Step forward
Protect the rock
Other notes

Another fight, Breakout coming?, Hold-in continues?, Happy man, Fine by them?, Multiple jobs, Over the top, Step forward, Protect the rock, Other notes

Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) ducks under a blocking dummy before taking a pass during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

OXNARD, Calif. — There was a shadow on the field during Wednesday’s training camp practice. And no, it wasn’t from the Southern California sun.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper (16) reaches for a pass during a training camp practice route in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Next to Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus during team drills was linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Where Eberflus went, Overshown followed. When Eberflus looked at his play call sheet and radioed in a selection, Overshown would turn to his matching play call sheet, too. The one time the shadow left was when Overshown went to celebrate with teammates after a couple of turnovers were forced.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) catches a pass as he warms up with quarterback Dak Prescott during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

For Overshown, it’s about doing the most he can while he’s still limited after a second torn ACL in the last two seasons. And he’s not the only one who sees value in it.

“Because you can’t practice, but you can still watch and learn,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said before Wednesday’s practice. “And again, Flus is really excited about spending some time with D-Mo.”

Schottenheimer said this type of embedded learning is the next step for Overshown in his recovery.

Last season, prior to his Dec. 9 torn ACL, Overshown was a player who impressed with significant flashes. His speed was noticeable as he flew around the field. The highlight of his early NFL career came against the New York Giants, when he blitzed, disengaged with an overmatched blocker, tipped a pass to himself, caught it and ran for a touchdown. It was even known to awe Tom Brady calling the game in the booth above.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer (center) checks in with his head trainer Jim Maurer (right) following a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Amidst his flashes, Overshown also showed moments of being the young linebacker that he is. Coaches on last year’s staff wanted Overshown to slow the game down at times in the hopes of lowering his missed tackle rate. He had 19 missed tackles in 13 games last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Being away from the field and watching could have some benefit for Overshown.

The Cowboys, however, are excited for when he can return to the field. Overshown has targeted a return for the Thanksgiving home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He posted last week that he received good medical news from the team doctors, making that potential return date even more possible.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote (left) shoves offensive tackle Asim Richards (76) to the turf as he rushed the quarterback during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

But for now, he’ll stay in the hip pocket of Eberflus. He may even call a play or two as the Cowboys eye him to be a green dot signal caller in Eberflus’ system.

“It’s not just quarterbacks that radio plays in,” Schottenheimer said. “He can make certain calls: ‘Stud 51,’ whatever. I think that’s the next step. ... Now it’s about you can still lead from the sideline, and you can still be the green dot or whatever it is by spending time, and Flus is all excited about doing that, which I think it’ll be great — not just for their relationship but for D-Mo being locked in to what we’re trying to do defensively.”

Here are some other observations from the second day of Cowboys training camp:

Another fight

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) played out for a pass beyond his hands as hes covered by cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (32) during a training camp practice play in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Schottenheimer wanted a physical training camp. He didn’t want it to become as physical as it’s become, however. The Cowboys had a scuffle for the second-straight practice on Wednesday. This one started between safety Markquese Bell and rookie tight end Tyler Neville. Bell threw a punch and hit cornerback Troy Pride in the neck. Pride required some attention from the trainers before he started jogging on the field next to where team drills were happening. Schottenheimer told the team that if anyone threw another punch, they would be sent off the field.

Breakout coming?

The George Pickens trade is the one that got attention this offseason, and rightfully so, but another deal is looking better and better for the Cowboys with each passing day. Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, acquired alongside a 2025 sixth-round pick for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick, has been Dallas’ most consistent corner this offseason. He had a pass breakup in every practice of minicamp and OTAs viewable to the media. He also dropped multiple interceptions. On Wednesday, he had a chance and didn’t miss it, catching a diving interception off a throw from Dak Prescott. The corner room is uncertain for the Cowboys, but for now, Elam has been a consistent player.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones watches his team warmup with defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Hold-in continues?

Micah Parsons once again didn’t practice after participating in warmups. Parsons, awaiting a new extension, wouldn’t define his status as a hold-in when he met with the media on Tuesday. He said he’s dealing with back tightness and won’t practice until he’s ready. Schottenheimer didn’t disclose whether Parsons is having treatment for his back.

Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (40) attempts to catch a Dak Prescott pass during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025. After he couple bobbles, he pulled it in for a reception.

Happy man

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) leads the charge as he and the rest of the team run through agility drills during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

CeeDee Lamb wasn’t at last year’s training camp as he held out for a new deal. That’s why he said he’s one of the happiest players on the team to be back at camp in Oxnard. He also feels “1,000%” healthy after a season where he was banged up the most in his career. Lamb looks the part, too. He had the highlight play of the day when he took a short pass from Prescott and then made multiple Cowboys defenders miss. He even held the ball out to Kemon Hall at one point, who swiped at it, only for Lamb to hand it off to his other hand behind his back.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) and the rest of the team run through agility drills as coaches cheer them on during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Fine by them?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) keeps the ball and outraces the defense during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025. He got a block from running back Jaydon Blue

After that play, fellow receiver George Pickens — inseparable from Lamb so far in camp — met Lamb in the endzone to unveil their new handshake celebration. They practiced it for two days, Lamb said. In it, they pretend to throw hand grenades before running off and holding their ears, just as NBA player Ja Morant has done. Lamb said they planned to do the celebration in games, and if they’re fined for it, then he would pay the fine.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) fires a pass to a receiver as hes pressured by defensive end Sam Williams (54) during a training camp practice play in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Multiple jobs

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam (20) puts his arm around Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4), who came over to visit with the defense during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

KaVontae Turpin didn’t work in the backfield on Wednesday like he did on Tuesday, but he did show off some versatility. He made a contested catch on a seam pass from Prescott against tight coverage. Turpin continues to play bigger than his size — will his role get bigger, too?

Over the top

Schottenheimer confirmed that defensive end Sam Williams had to stop practicing on Tuesday because he was being too physical without pads on. He leveled Neville to the ground on one play and hit rookie running back Phil Mafah hard on another. Williams missed all of last season with a torn ACL, making him excited to get back on the field again. Schottenheimer just wants him not to be too excited. Williams had multiple pressures during team drills on Wednesday.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) signs kids jerseys bearing his name following a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Step forward

New Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton struggled on Tuesday, but took a step forward in his second training camp practice. He had a big pass to tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and connected a few times with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, including a deep pass where Mingo made a very contested catch.

Protect the rock

Schottenheimer said the ball was on the ground too many times on Tuesday. That was limited on Wednesday, but running back Javonte Williams fumbled once. Donovan Wilson forced it.

Other notes

Cowboys corner DaRon Bland missed practice due to his significant other having a baby ... Miles Sanders opened practice with a long run ... the rookie running backs, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, continue to work solely with the second team alongside Deuce Vaughn ... Schottenheimer said that they plan to use the wildcat and pistol formations this year, and he didn’t care if other teams knew it ... Jerry Jones talked with Schottenheimer before practice for a while.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass during training camp practice drills in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens (3) and CeeDee Lamb (88) tried out their new touchdown dance following Ceedees big catch during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025.

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (right) lands a punch to the neck of teammate Troy Pride Jr. (32) as a play to the sideline during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025. It was unclear what started the group tussle. Pride was checked out by medical staff and left the field. He returned later.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) accepted five year-old Liam Saavedras offer of candy for an autograph near the end of training camp practice in Oxnard, California, July 23, 2025. His father, Justin Saavedra, offered up the Skittles, but Parsons wanted the Airheads. Parsons is sitting out activities as he awaits a new contract.