Before Week 1, there are two unexpected Cowboys preseason roster cuts to be aware of.

The Dallas Cowboys continue to work on strengthening their defensive line, but they haven’t been able to work out contract disputes with important players. Before Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, the Cowboys had two unexpected preseason roster cuts to be aware of in addition to the drama starring Jerry Jones.

It might not be as shocking as what other teams deal with because of their relatively steady roster, but tight end Peyton Hendershot and running back Deuce Vaughn might just be practice squad players at best.

Vaughn, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, finished the previous season with just 40 yards on 23 carries. With Tony Pollard’s departure this year, the door opened, but Vaughn hasn’t been able to seize it.

Being able to play on the field is also essential to staying in the NFL, just like it is for every other player. In the Raiders’ 27-12 victory, Vaughn played well, carrying the ball five times for 34 yards. He said on athlonsports.com that he had to demonstrate a spark following his absence from camp due to a hamstring issue.

Vaughn stated, “I wanted to come out here and show what I could do.” It serves as a kind of testimonial to all the effort I’ve put in this summer. Considering that getting a little bit stronger and bigger in between tackles was one of my main goals. That’s where the big money is in this league. Somehow, those five- and four-yard bombs with a little pop may improve the position for your offense on second and third down.

Mike McCarthy, his head coach, remarked, “He has to stay available going forward.”

In what ways did Mike McCarthy assist Deuce Vaughn?
McCarthy hoped to increase Vaughn’s versatility going into the preseason, according to the team’s YouTube channel via on3.com.

“I’ve been attempting to teach some of our younger players—Deuce included—how to play both inside and outside the backfield,” McCarthy remarked. Although we’re clearly experimenting with some two-back play, he has always been more prominent in one-back offenses. However, he can also play in empty sets. merely attempting to offer him additional chances and cross-train him.”

The Cowboys website states that Vaughn stated the plot began late in the previous year.

It was one of those topics that we had briefly discussed at the conclusion of the previous season,” Vaughn remarked. “Having a little conversation around getting with the slot with (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer). simply getting a little bit more knowledge about it.

For a roster berth, Vaughn will compete against Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, and Ezekiel Elliott. That is presuming that the Cowboys retain Hunter Luepke at fullback, as is expected. Vaughn’s greatest chance of making the squad might be to overcome Freeman.

It’s not inevitable that Hendershot will fall out of favor. On the depth chart, he is still ranked third, after Luke Schoonmaker and Jake Ferguson. At Nos. 1 and No. 2, those guys appear to be reliable. However, John Stephens Jr.’s potential, who has shown promise in his recovery from ACL surgery, is one of Hendershot’s issues.

Athletes.com claims that McCarthy’s failure to specifically name Hendershot in the packed tight end room doesn’t help his case.

McCarthy stated earlier this summer, “That’s a really good, deep, young group.” “I mean, all those guys will play in the league, and I think you can get out in front of yourself when you project young players like that, but now that group is going to be entertaining to watch,” the speaker said.

Princeton (Fant): John has done some very fantastic work, especially when we put on the pads. That’s where a little more of his game emerges. Furthermore, the kittens are intelligent, natural players. Therefore, I do want to see more padded art. However, those men are doing a really good job, so there will be fierce competition in the room.

Hendershot is not expected to be in the mix for catches, even if he makes the team. According to dallascowboys.com, Ferguson should receive the majority of targets as he appears to be considering his head coach’s interests going into the 2024 season.

Ferguson declared, “I would run through a brick wall for coach.” I believe he is aware of his players. One of his best qualities is that he lets his players play, and he is aware of his plan. Something about that just gets me excited. As I grew up in Wisconsin and watched him from a distance when my grandfather was a coach in Green Bay, I always had the utmost respect for McCarthy. I’d always stated I wanted to be his player. I have always held the utmost regard for coach.