Mike McCarthy plans to sit 25 veterans players in preseason opener vs Jags

Cowboys fans, don’t expect many, if any, first-teamers to see action Saturday against the Jaguars. Coach Mike McCarthy is keeping them safe and sound on the sidelines.

McCarthy said in the pre-game show that he plans to sit 25 veterans for the team’s preseason opener against Jacksonville. The Cowboys have been training in Oxnard, Calif. But today’s game is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said on the @1053thefan pregame show that Dallas will be sitting 25 of their veteran players today

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 12, 2023

Presumably, this means we won’t see Dak Prescott at quarterback. Mike McCarthy had indicated earlier this week that he didn’t foresee Prescott getting any snaps. The Cowboys have changed offenses since last season, with McCarthy calling plays. So there were some who thought more first teamers, at least on offense, would get on the field for some live reps in this new, more up tempo offense.

However, two key rookies are expected to see action. Jon Machota with The Athletic reported that defensive tackle Mazi Smith, Dallas’ first-rounder, and tight end Luke Schoonmaker will see action. Smith has been suffering from tendinitis in his knee. Meanwhile, Schoonmaker, the Cowboys second rounder, has had foot issues during training camp.

The game starts at 4 p.m. Central.

While Mike McCarthy keeps his starters on bench, Jags Doug Pederson will give 1st teamers some reps

Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson is taking a different approach for the game than Mike McCarthy. He told reporters that starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence will see action. Pederson has the same plan for many of the starters.

He explained why this week during an interview on the NFL Network.

“I’m a big believer in the starters playing,” Pederson said. “I really feel like they need to feel that energy that comes with starting a football game. I did it last year with the guys and I anticipate right now him getting maybe a series or two this weekend.”

If you’re a Cowboys fan, you probably want to check out rookie running back Deuce Vaughn. The smallest guy on the team is drawing raves from training camp. With Tony Pollard sidelined, Vaughn should get some quality time.

Plus, keep an eye on the quarterbacks. Will Grier, the former West Virginia star, is pushing Cooper Rush for the right to back up Prescott.