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Dallas Cowboys: 5 players to keep an eye on against the Bengals

By Matt Holleran

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by cornerback Anthony Brown #30 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Dallas Cowboys won 6-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by cornerback Anthony Brown #30 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Dallas Cowboys won 6-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys play their second preseason game this Saturday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are five players to keep an eye on in this game.

Last Thursday the Dallas Cowboys started out preseason play with a 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Although Dallas did not get the win, their starters played very well.

Dak Prescott was the biggest starter to shine, going 3/3 for 39 yards and a touchdown.

In their second preseason game this Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas’s starters will likely see more playing time, and the roster spot competition will become more fierce, as cut day nears sooner and sooner.

Here are five players to keep an eye on this Saturday against the Bengals.

Bo Scarbrough, RB

In his first NFL action last week, Scarbrough ran for 33 yards on nine carries and added a touchdown to go with it. The rookie out of Alabam will have to continue to perform at this kind of level if he wants to find a way on the field this season in the crowded Dallas backfield.

Rico Gathers, TE

This Saturday may be a make or break game for Cowboys tight end Rico Gathers. Last year, Gathers started off hot and found the end zone in both of the first two preseason games. This year, he recorded just one catch for nine yards in the opener against the 49ers. If Gather’s wants to separate himself and make a case for making the 53 man roster, it has to happen this week.

Anthony Brown, DB

Overall, Anthony Brown may have had the toughest preseason debut out of any Cowboys players who will likely be on the 2018 53 man roster. Brown really struggled in coverage, and he can not afford to play poorly. With the battle for playing time at cornerback much alive, Brown will have to step up his play if he wants to earn a large role this season.

Cooper Rush, QB.

Rush had a very solid first game of his preseason, going 15/23 for 145 yards, a touchdown, and most importantly no interceptions. With a year of experience on the Dallas practice squad under his belt, Rush seems to be the favorite for the backup quarterback position and increased this likelihood last Thursday. If Rush can deliver another one or two performances like this in the next preseason games, he can all but lock up the backup QB spot.

Next. The top 10 Dallas Cowboys to never win a Super Bowl. dark

Michael Gallup, WR

Gallup only had one catch in his NFL debut last week, but it was a big one. The rookie hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott, capping off an outstanding drive. The competition for playing time at the wide receiver position may be the most competitive in the entire Cowboys camp. If Gallup can continue to make plays like that and show his deep ball ability, he may be able to surpass veterans on the depth chart and receive more playing time at the beginning of the regular season.

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