The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for a late-night preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals this Saturday at 9 p.m. CT. The contest serves as a vital evaluation period for several first-year players looking to secure their places on the final roster.

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The battle for depth behind Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku

Linebacker Malachi Lawrence faces significant pressure to improve his performance during this second preseason outing. As the report notes, Lawrence is currently positioned behind established names like Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Miller. if he fails to ipmress, he risks losing valuable snaps to veterans such as Sam Williams and James Houston, which could stall his development and roster prospects.

Jaishawn Barham also enters the game with a clear objective: translating his strong training camp momentum into preseason production. The Cowboys' linebacker corps is currently in a state of flux, as the source reports that most depth options outside of T.J. Bass struggled during the first week of exhibition play. For these players, preseason games are not merely exhibitions but high-stakes auditions that determine their professional trajectory for the coming year.

Drew Shelton's struggle with three preseason pressures

Offensive line stability remains a concern for the Dallas Cowboys following the Week 1 performance of tackle Drew Shelton. According to the report, Shelton struggled at right tackle, surrendering a trio of pressures that raised questions about his readiness for NFL-level competition. This performance has forced the coaching staff to reconsider his positioning.

The team has already begun experimenting with Shelton's role, potentially moving him from the right side to the left side following practice adjustments this week. This shift suggests that the Dallas Cowboys are actively searching for a configuration that can mitigate the pressure issues seen in the previous game.

Camden Brown's touchdown debut and the race for WR5

Wide receiver Camden Brown has emerged as a bright spot in the Cowboys' preseason campaign. After recording three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown in his debut, Brown has placed himself in direct competition with Jonathan Mingo for the No . 5 wide receiver position. While his sensational grabs have boosted his standing, the report suggests that the spotlight is now firmly on him to prove those highlights weren't a fluke.

The competition at wide receiver is further complicated by the struggles of seventh-round pick Anthony Smith. The report indicates that Smith has found it difficult to stand out, noting he was largely ineffective in the first half of the Week 1 game before managing only two catches for 28 yards in the second half. For Smith, the Cardinals game represents a final opportunity to prove he belongs on the active roster and can contribute to the Dallas Cowboys' offensive depth.

Will Caleb Downs suit up against the Cardinals?

The availability of first-round pick Caleb Downs remains a primary question heading into Saturday night. While most first-year players suited up for the previous game, it is currently unverified whether Downs will participate or follow the lead of other starters by sitting out. The Dallas Cowboys have not yet confirmed if the high-profile rookie will see any action against the Arizona Cardinals.

This uncertainty highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between evaluating talent and protecting their most valuable assets. If Downs sits,it will be a clear indication that the coaching staff is prioritizing his long-term health over preseason repetitions, a common trend among NFL teams with top-tier draft picks.