Jaishawn Barham, Jaydon Blue build momentum as Cowboys camp intensifies

OXNARD, Calif. — As the Dallas Cowboys continue to increase the intensity in Oxnard, their second padded practice of training camp featured plenty of physicality in the trenches, an ejection after a punch, competitive one-on-one drills and several young players building momentum.

Donovan Ezeiruaku was sent off the practice field Tuesday afternoon after throwing a punch at offensive tackle Terence Steele. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has preached discipline throughout camp and has repeatedly emphasized avoiding unnecessary altercations.

Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams continued to wreak havoc along the interior defensive line in their first full offseason together. The tandem has quickly become one of the team's biggest strengths.

Dallas acquired Clark from the Green Bay Packers in last year’s blockbuster trade involving Micah Parsons. During last season’s trade deadline, the Cowboys sent a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick to the New York Jets for Williams.

Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith has enjoyed facing Clark, Williams and the other defensive tackles, saying he must come prepared going up against “top-tier” players.

“Getting the training camp experience has definitely been better,” Smith said. “I feel like it's a whole different brand of physicality. We get way more good-on-good reps than we do during the season because there's not as much load management there. I feel like it's really great work."

Schottenheimer said Tyler Guyton would remain the starting left tackle, citing the former first-round pick's strong start to camp while adding that Nate Thomas needs to be more consistent.

Thomas, however, took first-team reps late in practice after Guyton exited with a sore elbow. Another starter who did not participate during the team portion was linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (sore leg). Neither injury is believed to be serious.

That opened the door for rookie Jaishawn Barham to work in with the starting defense alongside new LB Dee Winters. Barham, Dallas’ third-round pick this year, has been a clear standout this camp and appears poised to carve out a role early.

Marist Liufau has had three defensive coordinators in his young career. Earlier this offseason, Christian Parker decided to move Liufau from linebacker to edge. The position switch represented another challenge for the 25-year-old as he attempts to earn a roster spot.

Liufau is trying to make the most of his opportunities. Trailing running back Israel Abanikanda, he punched the ball loose and recovered the fumble himself. It was the defense's only takeaway of the day.

Early returns suggest Cobie Durant's one-year, $4 million contract could prove to be a bargain. After intercepting Dak Prescott during Monday's practice, Durant returned Tuesday with another highlight, breaking up a deep throw intended for Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Cowboys safety P.J. Locke returned to practice in a limited capacity after missing a few days with a hyperextended knee. Second-year safety Alijah Clark left practice with an ankle injury and did not return.

Schottenheimer also announced that tight end Princeton Fant suffered a torn ACL and a partial MCL tear. That leaves Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Michael Trigg and DJ Rogers as the remaining tight ends on the roster.

Ferguson had his best day yet, making several catches. After scoring a touchdown on Monday, he followed it up with an impressive one-handed snag while falling on the ground. He also found open space on an out route, picking up at least 20 yards. Prescott also connected with Ferguson up the seam with Shavon Revel Jr. in coverage.

Prescott completed 13 of his 17 pass attempts during the Cowboys' 5th practice in Oxnard, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. CeeDee Lamb and Ferguson dropped a pass each.

The competition for RB2 has been an interesting development to watch between Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis. Blue had an underwhelming rookie campaign, only appearing in five games and rushing for 129 yards. One of the reasons for his lack of playing time last year was his immaturity.

He did not take advantage of the opportunity when Miles Sanders got hurt. Instead, Davis emerged as the backup to workhorse RB Javonte Williams.

He told the media post-practice that he took some constructive criticism and looked at himself in the mirror after what transpired in his first season. He took accountability for starting slow last year. Blue said his main priority was learning the playbook and earning the coaches' trust.

Blue has looked like a different player this summer, and he knows it. “I’m having a great camp so far,” he said.

He’s looked like the explosive running back he was at Texas, showcasing his speed and making plays in the open field. Running with the first-team offense, he caught a screen on the left side and took it the distance untouched.

The highlight of the day did not happen on the field—it took place at the jugs machine. Lamb wanted to challenge himself while catching passes, putting a net over his helmet to make it difficult to see the ball. Many said he looked like a beekeeper.

George Pickens gave this method a try. The ball sailed over Pickens' hands in his first attempt, then he took off the mask and laughed.

After back-to-back days of padded practice, the Cowboys will rest on Wednesday and return on Thursday, Aug. 6, for Heroes Appreciation Day. Dallas will practice Saturday and Sunday before facing the Rams in a scrimmage on Aug. 11.