The Dallas Cowboys have a plethora of no-brainer starters, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer has stressed that players will have to earn their role. That means all players, returning and new, have a clean slate to impress the new coaching staff.
Being in a contract year or on a one-year prove it deal gives players more incentive. The raised stakes typically result in better performance, but some players falter under the pressure. While it is only minicamp, running back Miles Sanders looks like someone who is rising to the occasion.
After turning heads at OTAs, Sanders was back impressing at minicamp as he looks to plant his flag as the lead RB in an unproven backfield.
"The veteran is showing a lot of spring in his step and that translates well to something he's always done well -- acting as a receiver out of the backfield," wrote Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com."On one such occasion in the second minicamp practice, Sanders was the recipient of a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott in the red zone out an out route inside the end zone."
Cowboys RB Miles Sanders continued to thrive in mandatory minicamp
That is not the first we've heard of Sanders impressing as a receiver in offseason workouts. He flashed in that department at OTAs as well, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (subscription required). Harris also had him down for a big gain on an inside handoff.
Schottenheimer has made it clear that his ideal archetype for a RB is one that possesses dual-threat ability such as Sanders. While rookie Jaydon Blue offers more upside as a receiving back, Sanders has six years of experience. That may work to his benefit.
Now 28 years old, Sanders had a difficult two-year stint with the Panthers. However, he has proven to be a productive back in an efficient offense.
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Cowboys fans will remember Sanders making a Pro Bowl in 2022 after he tallied over 1,300 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns with the Eagles The former second-round pick was a key piece in Philadelphia's run to the Super Bowl that year that (thankfully) ended in heartbreak.
A lot of Cowboys fans rolled their eyes when the team signed Sanders in March. He followed the signing of fellow veteran Javonte Williams, which also failed to move the needle.
Many initially thought the starting job was Williams' to lose, and while Sanders wasn't "won" anything yet, he might be the lead candidate as the team parts for summer vacation before training camp next month.