The Dallas Cowboys are set to begin their 2024 preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium, but star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott are expected to remain on the sidelines. Despite participating in the joint practice sessions this week, both players are unlikely to play in the game as the team manages their preseason workload carefully.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer explained on Friday that several key players have planned rest during the preseason to reach a targeted number of snaps across the games. This strategy aims to balance the need for preparation with injury prevention.
“There’s a handful of guys that won’t play, but when you look at it, you have a target set of numbers that you want to get throughout the preseason. So maybe the number is 40 for a player,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Friday.
“So maybe that’s 10 to 15 plays tomorrow, another 25 or whatever against Baltimore, and then you decide the third game. Our players are aware of the kind of where they are going in this game.”
Though Schottenheimer did not specifically single out Lamb or Prescott, both remain injury-prone from last season, making their absences in the opener appear probable.
CeeDee Lamb Values Preseason Experience for Rookies
Even with the possibility of sitting out the first game, Lamb shared his positive perspective on the preseason’s role in acclimating less experienced teammates. He sees these early games as an important opportunity for rookies to understand the speed and physicality of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
“That’s what this is for. I actually love the preseason just to kind of give them a spitting image of what we go through and putting themselves into the game,” Lamb said.
After joining the Cowboys in 2020, Lamb has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier receivers, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro First Team honor in 2023. His importance to Dallas’ offense is clear, and this careful management of his preseason participation demonstrates the team’s priority to keep him healthy for the regular season.
Last season, Lamb caught 101 passes for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns. However, fans noticed a slight dip in his overall impact, largely because he missed two games due to injury and played part of the season without Prescott under center.
Broadcast Information for Cowboys vs. Rams Preseason Matchup
The Cowboys will take on the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, August 9. Notably, both Dak Prescott and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford are expected to sit out, but the game remains a chance for depth players to showcase their skills and for fans to get an early look at the teams.
Television coverage will be available locally on KTVT CBS 11 in Dallas and KABC-7 in Los Angeles. Additionally, those unable to watch on broadcast TV can stream the game live via NFL+ and FuboTV.
Game details:
Date and Time: Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV: KABC (Los Angeles), KTVT CBS 11 DFW (Dallas)
Live Streaming: NFL+, FuboTV
Preseason Strategy Highlights Depth and Player Health
The Cowboys’ decision to limit snaps for key players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott underscores the team’s commitment to preserving their top talent throughout the preseason. Schottenheimer’s comments reflect a methodical approach to balancing player health with the need for competitive preparation before the regular season.
With Dallas poised as an NFC heavyweight, ensuring the readiness and protection of their star players will be critical to their success. Watching how the team manages player availability over the coming weeks will provide insight into their strategy heading into the 2024 campaign.