3 things to watch during Thursday's Cowboys-Rams joint practice

Here's what to watch for when the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams hold a joint practice and scrimmage on Thursday.

Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys will finally get to put their hands on another team when they meet up with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, August 8.

Getting the chance to pop the pads of someone who isn't your teammate is always a welcomed moment for the players and fans in the midst of training camp.

Dallas has a lot of places where they can grow as a team and now is the chance to prove that.

Here are three things to watch when joint practice and scrimmate with the Rams begins.

---

3. Offensive line battles

Cowboys depth chart for Rams pic.twitter.com/g0v8GmURvb

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 7, 2024

The Cowboys have had a lot of change at the offensive line, and the first official depth chart for scrimmage with the Rams leaves a lot to be desired. Keep in mind it is still early, however, rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are currently second string. It's nothing to be worried about in August, but Guyton and Beebe getting a chance against different competition could show just how talented the rookies currently are.

MORE: 6 shocking notes from Cowboys first unofficial depth chart

---

2. Deuce Vaughn will have something to prove

Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The first released depth chart also shows that running back Deuce Vaughn will have a lot to prove in the coming weeks.

The backfield is waiting for someone to stake their claim, while Vaughn's chances of being a special team weapon have shrunk with the likes of KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Cooper, and Rico Dowdle standing in front of him.

Vaughn is fighting for a job, and what better way to prove you belong than to shine against the Rams?

MORE: Deuce Vaughn discusses Cowboys' surprising "explosiveness" in the backfield

---

1. Creating chemistry with Dak

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

With CeeDee Lamb sitting out until his contract situation is figured out, the rest of the Cowboys wide receiver unit has a chance to step up in his absence.

Brandin Cooks has already proven to be a reliable weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott. However, who is going to join Cooks and Lamb as reliable weapons for Prescott? Keep your eyes locked on Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Cooper, and Ryan Flournoy as players who can become the next big name for the Cowboys.

The Jalens have already had standout camps, so it will be interesting to see how they produce against a new-look defense.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Camp Battles: 6 shocking notes from Cowboys first unofficial depth chart

Olympic Games: 4 Cowboys who should be on USA’s 2028 Olympic flag football team

Bargain Shopping: 3 bargain free agents that could be potential Cowboys targets

Lion Roars: Mike McCarthy praises Micah Parsons 'incredible motor' with lighter weight

Football Fun: Best Cowboys-themed fantasy football team names for 2024

Cowgirls: Meet Reece Allman: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader