The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their 2025 preseason with a 31-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium.
There was a lot to draw from a contest that saw the depth of the roster hit the field in search of one of the 53 coveted active roster spots. The game also provided valuable reps for established backups such as quarterback Joe Milton.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from Dallas’ preseason opener:
Good thing Joe Milton has two more games
When the Cowboys traded for Joe Milton over the offseason to be their backup quarterback, Saturday’s performance can’t be what they quite had in mind. From missing wide open receivers to forcing passes into double coverage, Milton had far from his best day in his first action with his new team.
On the day, Milton finished 17-for-29 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The importance of time and reps for Milton in the preseason can’t be understated, but it will be tough to see the true value in the reps he received on Saturday. Fortunately for him and the coaching staff, he will have two more games to flush out the offseason rust in the event his services will be needed in the regular season. But for now, that’s an unwelcoming thought.
Is Javonte Williams a lock to start?
With two running backs injured and a hotly contested battle at the position ongoing in training camp, it was surprising to see veteran Javonte Williams get the day off on Saturday as he watched in street clothes.
Instead, it was Deuce Vaughn and Phil Mafah that took the majority of the work out of the backfield in the absence of Williams, veteran Miles Sanders (out with a knee injury) and rookie Jaydon Blue (out with a heel/ankle injury).
It’s not totally surprising that Williams is viewed higher on the depth chart than some of the others in that competition given his experience and versatility, but it is surprising to see him earn enough trust at this point in training camp to get the ballcap and shorts on the sideline instead of pads.
Israel Mukuamu interception weighs heavy
When starting jobs are up for grabs, every little thing matters. At the nickel cornerback spot, the room for error is so very small.
It was Kemon Hall who got the start at nickel -- and the listing as starter on the team’s initial unofficial depth chart earlier this week -- before giving way for fifth-year defensive back Israel Mukuamu.
Mukuamu has had his ups and downs since being drafted in the sixth round by the Cowboys in 2021. But on a rental-type one-year contract, this could be his last chance to splash. And on Saturday, he did just that.
On a deep ball from Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV in the third quarter, Mukuamu contorted his body to reach back and snag an interception for one of the team’s few highlights of the evening. It will take more to officially win the starting nickel job, but it was a big first step toward accomplishing it for the South Carolina product.
Defensive tackle battle is alive
When the team came out for warmups roughly an hour before the start of the game, one of the notable players suited up to play was defensive tackle Mazi Smith. On a day where almost every starter was resting, Smith got the call to show up at SoFi Stadium.
After a couple of possessions, Smith was subbed out for the depth on the roster that includes guys like Jay Toia, Perrion Winfrey and Tommy Akingbesote. Toia got the bulk of the action and had moments where he generated push in the run game, but also suffered some lumps and bruises against a physical Rams offensive line.
The strategy at the position could change going into the team’s second preseason game, but it’s notable to see Smith get action in his third preseason.
Cowboys comfortable with Tyler Booker
The Cowboys’ 2025 first-round pick, starting right guard Tyler Booker, was surprisingly not in action on Saturday. Sure, that could be attributed to saving an offensive line room that has suffered its fair share of injuries in training camp. But for a rookie that could benefit from the game reps to get the rest call in his preseason opener, it is surprising to not see him on the field.
Booker could draw playing time in the final two preseason games, but the comfort seems to be high in that he will be ready to attack the regular season when the time comes.