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4 Cowboys who can't afford a bad game vs. the Cardinals
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- 4 Cowboys who can't afford a bad game vs. the Cardinals
The Dallas Cowboys' second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals gives several players another chance to strengthen their case for a roster spot. As cut-down day approaches, several hopefuls have used training camp and the preseason opener to move up the depth chart, while others have done little to separate themselves from the competition. With fewer opportunities remaining, every snap carries added importance.
That pressure is especially high for these four players. Whether they've struggled in practice, failed to perform in their first preseason game, or been outplayed by teammates, their standing is far from secure. A strong performance against Arizona could change the conversation. Another disappointing outing could leave the coaching staff with little reason to keep them around.
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OT Nate Thomas
Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Cowboys' depth at offensive tackle remains one of the biggest concerns on the roster, which puts added pressure on Nate Thomas. After taking over as the team's swing tackle last season, Thomas entered camp with a chance to not only solidify that role, but win the starting left tackle job.
Instead, he's struggled to establish himself as a top reserve and failed to build momentum in Dallas' preseason opener against the Seahawks . A stronger showing against Arizona would go a long way toward restoring confidence in his ability to be the first tackle off the bench.
If Thomas continues to struggle, the Cowboys may be forced to consider other options. Rookie Drew Shelton has seen work at both left and right tackle during camp and could make a push for a larger role with another solid performance. Dallas could also look outside the organization for help, whether through a trade or by targeting a veteran after roster cuts. Regardless of the path they choose, the Cowboys need more certainty behind their starters than they've gotten from the position so far.
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CB Caelen Carson
Aug 1, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (21) at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Few Cowboys have had a rougher stretch than Caelen Carson. In Dallas' preseason opener against Seattle, he was flagged three times, including two penalties that extended drives and helped lead to the Seahawks' only points of the game. Things didn't improve during this week's joint practice with the Saints , where Carson was involved in a large brawl and was seen throwing punches during the altercation. Neither development helped his standing as he fights for a roster spot.
Carson already faced an uphill battle due to injuries and inconsistent production. The additions of Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, along with the return of Reddy Stewart, have only increased the competition in the cornerback room. If Carson wants to stay in Dallas' plans, he needs a strong performance against Arizona and must show he can contribute on special teams.
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LB Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau's path to a roster spot has become much more complicated over the past few weeks. The Cowboys added competition throughout the offseason, and rookie Jaishawn Barham has quickly emerged as a serious contender for defensive snaps. Dallas also traded for Dee Winters, while DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James remain as part of the linebacker rotation.
Liufau's move to outside linebacker has not produced the results the Cowboys were looking for, and the addition of Von Miller further limits his opportunities at the position. If Liufau is going to secure a roster spot, special teams may be his clearest path. He's shown value there before, and another strong performance against Arizona could remind the coaching staff why he belongs on the 53-man roster. Without that contribution, he risks being squeezed out by a deeper and more talented linebacker group.
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WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Aug 11, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) reacts during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It's never a good sign for a veteran receiver when younger players consistently outperform him. The Cowboys signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to provide experience and playmaking ability as a deep threat, but his inability to consistently secure catches in training camp and the preseason opener has raised questions about his role moving forward.
A strong performance against Arizona could help quiet those concerns. While Brian Schottenheimer has spoken positively about Valdes-Scantling, production ultimately decides roster spots. Camden Brown and Jonathan Mingo have both given the coaching staff reasons to take notice, and Valdes-Scantling needs to do the same. If he wants to earn a place in the receiver room, it starts with making the routine plays and showing he can still be a reliable target when the lights come on.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 4 Cowboys who can't afford a bad game vs. the Cardinals
