OXNARD, Calif. -- The Cowboys had three practices left in Oxnard coming into Tuesday before the team returns to Frisco.
Fittingly, the player wearing the number three had the best play of the day, as George Pickens highlighted his contested catch ability in team drills.
Pickens had already put together some good days in his first raining camp with the Cowboys, but hadn't flashed his contested catch ability that made him a perfect trade option for Dallas to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Not anymore.
More details on the play and some of the other notable moments from Tuesday's practice:
Just Do it: There were times in the preseason opener against the LA Rams when Joe Milton had a chance to check the ball down but instead opted to try and land the big play downfield, resulting in some throws he'd like back. In the first padded practice following the contest, Milton was seen often going through his reads and taking what the defense was giving him; and that's something Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys hope transfer to the next outing — versus the Ravens. - Patrik Walker
Hello, Javonte: Veteran running back Javonte Williams had one of, if not his best day in Oxnard on Tuesday. Williams has consistently been taking the first reps with the first team offense, and was making good cuts at the line of scrimmage and getting into open space. The best moment was when he ran through Zion Childress during a run and put him on the ground, but then had the ball knocked out of his hands by Donovan Wilson. (-Tommy Yarrish)
Hooked: Another day, another play for Malik Hooker in this year's training camp. On this one in particular, the veteran safety jumped a middle hitch route to grab an interception from Dak Prescott. There was a flag on the play and it was unclear if it was a free play or not, but that doesn't take away from the fact Hooker looks revitalized under Matt Eberflus as the two reunite for 2025. - Patrik Walker
K9 Unit: The Cowboys' linebacker unit did not have their best day against the run especially on Saturday vs. the Rams. Although he didn't play, Kenneth Murray set the tone for how the unit should play their lanes in run defense on Tuesday's practice, penetrating the backfield several times for TFLs in the run game and adding a would-be sack to his stat line too. (-Tommy Yarrish)
Dono Punches: Throughout his entire career, Donovan Wilson has been known as a thumper who can lay out opposing players. On Tuesday, although he couldn't lay anybody out, Wilson's violent play style translated to a forced fumble on Javonte Williams and a big pass break up on Jake Ferguson. Ferguson and Dak Prescott have made a living on their connection up the seam, and on a play where they tried to do the same on Tuesday, Wilson was able to get to Ferguson and knock the ball free from his hands before he could come down with it. (-Tommy Yarrish)
