Dallas Cowboys: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 2

1. Players beginning to stand out even more than before

Other than who will be the backup quarterback for the Cowboys when Week 1 arrives, there are others on the depth chart trying to make their name known as well. One of those player is Rico Gathers as he had two receptions for 32 yards, including a 25-yard reception. Sure that reception is nice, but there is still work to do with his overall game so time will tell if he’s able to earn a roster spot.

Granted, the 25-yard reception was in the fourth quarter, one positive for Gathers is he’s out on the field and forcing the Cowboys coaching staff to take notice. As for making the roster, it could be a tough feat, but for the sake of the Cowboys overall depth, let’s all hope Gathers makes it a tough decision for the coaches to make.

Rod Smith continued to show why he’ll keep his role as the top backup running back option headed into 2018 with 13 carries for 49 yards as Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play in the preseason game against Cincinnati, giving Smith more action on the field.

It was also exciting to see Taco Charlton continue to show improvement on defense with three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. It is great to see the continued progression of Charlton and if this continues in 2018, Charlton will not just make his name known by the Cowboys, but possibly even the most casual football fan will know who he is, or at least that is hopefully the goal.

Going back to the running backs of the Cowboys, one must tip the cap to Darius Jackson and how he played at times in his preseason game time in Week 2. Jackson totaled four receptions for 22 yards (including a seven-yard catch) and he rushed the ball six times for 42 yards. Jackson is going to make it a touch decision for the Cowboys if they have to choose between him and Bo Scarbrough to stay on the 53-man roster, which would be a welcome sight if they both are playing at a solid level as preseason continues.