Cowboy Roundup: Injury bug infecting camp; Mazi Smith coming into form

The latest Dallas Cowboys news for Saturday, August 3.

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys kick off the first weekend of August with another open practice session on Saturday morning, so fans can see how the team looks with the first scrimmage less than one week away.

One week from tomorrow, the Cowboys open up the preseason with a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, so things are beginning to heat up.

As we get ready to enjoy the weekend, let's check out some headlines that are making the rounds in Cowboys Nation.

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Mazi Smith coming into form

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith needed a big training camp after a disappointing rookie season, and he's been coming through in a big way.

Smith has shown flashes of brillians and is getting praise from the team's coaching staff, specifically new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer on DT Mazi Smith: “What we’re asking him to do, he’s doing a really good job. You might not see him make flash plays, but we see him taking on double-teams, getting his hands in the right place. I see him understanding where he’s supposed to be. He’s not… pic.twitter.com/1hSmzTz482

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 1, 2024

We'll have to see if he continue playing at a high level through the remainder of training camp and the preseason.

MORE: Mazi Smith coming into his own at training camp

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Micah Parsons among 6 Cowboys with various camp injury concerns

Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) runs a drill during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The injury bug has bitten the Cowboys throughout the first week of training camp, most notably costing defensive end Sam Williams his season after suffering a torn ACL.

But, in recent days, several other key Cowboys players have missed practice with various injuries and ailments.

Among the players sidelined are rookie receiver Ryan Flournoy, first-round pick Tyler Guyton, standout safety Israel Mukuamu, tight end Luke Schoonmaker, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, running back Deuce Vaughn, and star edge rusher Micah Parsons.

The Cowboys Wire has a breakdown of all of the injury concerns.

MORE: Cowboys tight end suffers unfortunate setback during practice

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