Cowboys release unofficial depth chart for first preseason game

The Dallas Cowboys have released their unofficial depth chart for the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. As reported earlier, Ezekiel Elliott is listed as the top running back on the depth chart, ahead of Rico Dowdle and Royce Freeman. CeeDee Lamb is listed as a starting receiver amid his holdout.

2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton is the No. 2 left tackle behind Chuma Edoga. Cooper Rush is listed as the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. Trey Lance is listed as QB3.

Unofficial Cowboys depth chart entering their first preseason game pic.twitter.com/hA82VRKLxE

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 8, 2024

The preseason depth chart doesn’t mean a lot as there will be cuts and signings throughout the month. But it is interesting to see Elliott as the starting running back since the team let him go after the 2022 season. Regardless, Elliott is happy he’s still playing at a high level in the NFL.

“The shelf life of an NFL player is three years,” Elliott said, via Jon Machota. “Every snap, every year, one more year I get is a blessing. … I think it was important for me to come back because I have unfinished business. I felt like I wanted to come back and be with my guys and take another spin at it. Right now, the focus is now, having as much fun as I can. I don’t know how many more of these I’m going to have. And just take advantage of being here and living in the moment.”

Cornerback is a position to watch on Cowboys’ depth chart

One area to watch is the cornerback position as Trevon Diggs will return this season after missing all but two games last year due to a torn ACL. Diggs, who is listed as the top CB on the depth chart, has been removed from the PUP list, and defensive backs coach Al Harris is ready for his return.

“You know what? There’s a guy I coached, Marcus Peters, who was very similar to running routes,” Harris said when about the IQ of Diggs, per Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. “Charles Woodson was a guy to see it and just go run the route for [the receiver]. There are some guys. They don’t come around a lot, but there are some guys.”

The Cowboys are looking to take the next step in 2024 after finishing the last three regular seasons with a 12-5 record. During that span, Dallas won two NFC East titles but collected just one playoff win.