Dallas Cowboys vs. 49ers: 5 jersey numbers to look for Saturday night

We believe the Dallas Cowboys’ first preseason game will serve as a rookie showcase. Here are five jersey numbers to look for Saturday night.

The Dallas Cowboys have made their way to Santa Clara, California to play the San Francisco 49ers in their inaugural preseason matchup of the year. As it isn’t believed the starters on either side will play more than a series or two (if at all), this first exhibition should quickly become an evaluation of roster depth.

For the Cowboys, we believe their first preseason game will serve as a showcase for their stellar rookie class. With that in mind, here are five jersey numbers we’ll be looking for and watching closely on Saturday night.

Tony Pollard, RB – Jersey No. 36

The absence of Ezekiel Elliott from training camp places a spotlight on the Cowboys’ fourth-rounder, Tony Pollard. An excellent special teams returner and receiver out of the backfield, it will be interesting to see if the versatile 6-foot, 209-pound running back can run effectively inside, between tackles with repeated success.

Jon’Vea Johnson, WR – Jersey No. 81

The Cowboys have several young and promising wide receivers who could put on a show Saturday night. Wideouts like Reggie Davis (No. 11), Cedrick Wilson (No. 16), and Jalen Guyton (No. 83). But we’re going to keep a watchful eye on Jon’Vea Johnson as the undrafted receiver out of Toledo has started to separate himself from the pack due to his consistency and as a vertical threat.

Joe Jackson, DE – Jersey No. 56

Selected in the fifth round out of Florida, the Cowboys clearly like Joe Jackson and he has a chance to make a real impact as a rookie. The recent hand injury suffered by defensive end Robert Quinn (along with his two-game suspension) should give Jackson and fellow rookie Jalen Jelks (No. 74) even more opportunities to develop into rotational rushers this summer.

Daniel Wise, DE – Jersey No. 64

Although watching for defensive tackle Trysten Hill (No. 79) is an obvious choice, we’ve elected to go with someone more under the radar here. Undrafted out of Kansas, the younger brother of New England Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. has made some early noise this offseason. But Daniel Wise will likely need to post a standout performance or two in the preseason to win himself a place along this talented, but depleted defensive line. Wise certainly seems to have the ability to do so and is worth watching for.

Luke Gifford, LB – Jersey No. 57

Finding a way to crack the Dallas Cowboys’ 53-man roster at the already stacked linebacker position will be an uphill battle. Doing so as an undrafted free agent seems near impossible. But Nebraska’s Luke Gifford has impressed early with his high-motor and consistent play. If any rookie is able to find a way onto the active roster at linebacker, it might be Gifford. Watch for him on special teams as well.