The biggest battle in Seattle isn’t about the Super Bowl champions. It is about who makes the final cut for the Dallas Cowboys.
Most fans think preseason games are just warm-ups. That is wrong.
Per Blogging The Boys, the Cowboys plan to play rookies Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence this week. These two young players need to prove they belong on the 53-man roster. The coaching staff wants to see if Downs can handle the speed of real NFL hits. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2026 draft. The team traded up to get him because they expect him to start immediately.
Saturday night at Lumen Field offers a harsh test. The Seahawks play at home in a loud stadium. The crowd noise will make it hard for the rookie to hear calls. Downs must show he can read the play and react fast. If he freezes, he might lose his spot to someone else.
The backup quarterback race is just as messy.
Joe Milton III and Sam Howell are fighting for the second-string job. The starter will not play much, if at all. This means Milton and Howell get the ball to show what they can do. They need to make smart throws and avoid mistakes. The coaching staff is watching every decision they make.
Per Blogging The Boys, the battle for the backup job is currently undecided. Both players have different styles. Milton has a strong arm. Howell knows how to move the offense. The team needs someone who can step in if the starter gets hurt. This game is the first real chance to see who is ready.
The running back room is wide open too.
Javonte Williams holds the top spot. But the players behind him are desperate for a chance. Jaydon Blue has big expectations from the coaches. He must keep his mind sharp and pick up blitzes. Phil Mafah is a physical runner who wants to show his power. Malik Davis might surprise people if the line opens up lanes.
Drew Shelton needs a good game to stay ahead.
The rookie offensive tackle has struggled with pass protection. He is a project player with tools, but he needs to show growth. Nate Thomas is close behind him in the rankings. The team also added Sebastian Gutierrez to compete for the swing tackle spot. Shelton must play well to push Thomas back.
Per Blogging The Boys, the team added the well-traveled Sebastian Gutierrez to compete for the swing tackle position. If Shelton plays solid, he gains footing for the battle. If he struggles, he could lose his spot. The pressure is high for this rookie.
Traeshon Holden has a similar need to shine.
He is battling veteran Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Denzel Mims. He also faces competition from seventh-round pick Anthony Smith. Holden was a standout last season during the preseason. A strong game against Seattle reminds everyone of his skills. He has had a quiet training camp. This game brings him back into the conversation.
The game is set for Saturday, August 15th, 2026.
Kickoff is at 8:00 PM EST. The Cowboys are favored by 2.5 points. Fans can watch on KTVT 11 or the NFL Network. The prediction is a 23-18 win for Dallas.
Jay Toia is another player who needs to step up.
He was primarily counted on to support the run defense last year. Toia hasn’t made much of an impact this year. He is very much replaceable. The other options behind him aren’t that far apart. A big game could save his spot.
This Saturday night is the perfect stage for someone to seize the momentum. The lights are on. The stakes are real. The Cowboys need answers, and they need them now.
