Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Check-In: Injuries, Intensity, And Ongoing Drama

Let’s check in with the Dallas Cowboys and the goings on at 2025 training camp. We’ve seen a little bit of everything so far: energy, injuries, bromance, and the ceaseless drama that follows this organization everywhere it goes. The Cowboys are starting to put their on-field product together, giving fans real reason for optimism. But, as usual, the off-the-field storylines are a dark cloud over the football stuff.

Brian Schottenheimer has been hitting all the right notes, but there were real questions about how he’d handle being an NFL head coach. He hasn’t missed a beat and continues to build off the momentum established during minicamp and OTAs. Additionally, the early connection between CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is quickly becoming the development to watch on offense. Meanwhile, the injury bug has bitten early, testing tenuous depths at two position groups before the preseason even begins. And because this is the Dallas Cowboys, the front office continues to put itself front and center, throwing verbal barbs at Micah Parsons over contract disputes and public comments.

There is never a dull day with America’s Team.

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Storylines To Monitor

Brian Schottenheimer Is In Charge

There were real questions about whether Brian Schottenheimer could handle the duties and responsibilities of an NFL head coach. Consider those quelled—for now. From the opening whistle, he has set the tone with energy, urgency, and a no-nonsense approach that is reshaping the Cowboys’ culture.

Practices have been fast, disciplined, and extremely competitive. Schottenheimer’s voice has been everywhere, and he’s made it clear that player tussles will not be tolerated. When scuffles broke out on Day 1, he shut them down immediately. He’s halted practice, delivered impassioned, expletive-laden warnings about discipline and composure, and even ended Wednesday’s practice 15 minutes early to have the team run gassers.

“I was pissed,” Schottenheimer said in his press conference.

One of the teams biggest stars digs it.

“It’s been a while,” CeeDee Lamb said when asked about the last time he had to run as punishment. “But I felt like that was really necessary. Honestly, I like what he’s doing, because we need discipline.”

Indeed they do. Quarterback Dak Prescott also underscored the importance of toeing the line between playing with edge and being reckless.

“Compete every day,” Prescott said in an interview with Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. “Doing it with the right attitude, with the right energy…actually pushing the limits and holding [yourself] accountable to get better.”

The message of energy, discipline, and culture has taken hold, and the team is buying in. Practices have had an edge, and players up and down the depth chart have commented on how locked in the team feels. For a team that has historically leaned on talent to carry the day—to limited success—Schottenheimer’s approach is setting the tone for something different. Structure, discipline, and an expectation that effort comes first.

A Budding Bromance Between CeeDee Lamb And George Pickens

Dallas has a new dynamic receiving duo with the trade acquisition of George Pickens, and training camp has been their playground. CeeDee Lamb and Pickens have made a quick connection that’s turning heads. Pickens’ physical, explosive style perfectly complements Lamb’s elite route running and run after the catch.

“He’s just an incredible athlete, incredible football player,” Lamb said about Pickens. His ability to go up and get the ball… He’s like a caged animal.”

From the moment they hit the practice field, he and Pickens have been inseparable. It’s clear the two have a real connection, and they’ve set an incredibly high bar for their pairing.

“It’s already destined,” Lamb said about the effect he and Pickens can have on the field together. “With the talent that we have, as soon as we break the huddle [success is] already destined.”

The connection could be massive once the season begins. With defenses no longer able to key solely on Lamb, the entire passing game opens up for Jalen Tolbert, Jake Ferguson, and the rest of the receiving corps. For now, it’s the Lamb-Pickens partnership that’s stealing the show in Oxnard and giving fans a peek into what this offense could look like with a true No. 2 receiver.

Injuries hit early

Every NFL training camp has its share of injuries, and the Cowboys are feeling it early.

The most significant came on the offensive line with starting left tackle Tyler Guyton. He entered camp needing to prove he can anchor Dak Prescott’s blindside after a rocky first year, and he can’t afford injury setbacks.

Guyton went down during the first padded practice with a leg injury that was initially feared to be a torn ACL. He dodged a bullet with merely a bone fracture (easy for me to say), but he’ll still miss 4-6 weeks. His absence leaves a gaping hole on the left side of the line and raises the question: Who steps in until he returns?

The same day, backup guard Robert Jones suffered a broken bone in his neck and will be sidelined for months. For a line that was already thin, these are tough blows. Dallas can’t afford a shaky offensive line: Prescott isn’t getting any more mobile, and the run game needs holes opened.

It’ll be interesting to see how Dallas patches this together as we barrel closer to Week 1.

On the defensive side, Caelen Carson hyperextended his knee and is also looking at 4-6 weeks of recovery. This is another hit for an already-thin secondary. Trevon Diggs is still a question mark, and Shavon Revel Jr. doesn’t look close to being game-ready.

Finally, promising tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford sustained a leg injury and is expected to be out a few weeks. A tough break for a guy receiving a lot of praise from the coaching staff.

None of these injuries should derail the season (fingers crossed). But they’ve already forced Dallas to shuffle lineups and test its depth before preseason even begins.

The Joneses Vs. Parsons Saga Continues