Brian Schottenheimer has built up a lot of equity since he was hired as head coach. While the Dallas Cowboys did not look good in their first preseason game under Schottenheimer, it's important to remember that most of the team's starters, and a lot of second-stringers, didn't play.
Fortunately, it sounds like a lot more regulars will see the field against the Ravens on Saturday, including rookie guard Tyler Booker, who was the only 2025 first-round pick who didn't play a snap in Week 1 of preseason.
It remains to be seen how the running back pecking order will pan out now that Miles Sanders is back from his knee injury. Even if Jaydon Blue (heel/foot) can't go, Sanders' return is bad news for Deuce Vaughn, who needs a game to remember to even reenter the 53-man roster conversation.
Cowboys finally have a case to cut 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn
There are a lot of things working against Vaughn right now.
Not only is Sanders back from injury, but rookie seventh-round pick Phil Mafah has been awesome since the pads came on in training camp. Multiple reporters said Mafah had his best day of camp on Wednesday, which ironically was the team's last practice in Oxnard.
Mafah was arguably the Cowboys' best offensive player in the first preseason game. He only finished with 36 rushing yards, but between falling forward for extra yards and picking up yards after contact, he did all the things you want to see from a physical runner. The former Clemson star is a much better fit in Dallas' run scheme than Vaughn.
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Vaughn has real receiving upside, but Sanders, projected starter Javonte Williams, and Blue are all serviceable pass-catchers. Blue was one of the best pass-catching backs in the 2025 class, and Williams' pass-catching ability is a big reason why he's expected to win the starting job.
A strong game against the Rams would have boosted Vaughn's odds, but he only played 13 snaps despite starting. The Cowboys clearly wanted to see what they have in Joe Milton, so Vaughn only saw two carries. He was targeted twice, catching one pass for two yards.
Mafah should be ahead of Vaughn on the depth chart, and it's no guarantee that Mafah makes the roster. That could change if Mafah balls out on Saturday, but he still has work to do.
It might be time to start wondering if Vaughn's days with the Cowboys are numbered. Schottenheimer has never had more leverage to make a clean cut.