3 Cowboys who are desperate to perform in Week 2 of preseason

1. Peyton Hendershot

Unlike Scott Jr., Hendershot's inclusion isn't due to poor performance. It really boils down to undrafted free agent John Stephens Jr. and his continued growth.

Hendershot's had a strong camp, but he didn't log a single target against the Jaguars despite playing the second-most snaps of Dallas' tight ends. Projected starter Jake Ferguson played 10 snaps while blocking specialist and special teamer Sean McKeon got nine snaps on offense.

Stephens Jr., meanwhile, played 27 snaps on offense.

He finished as the Cowboys' leading receiver with five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. The performance aligned with what Stephens Jr. has displayed in Oxnard as a pass-catcher. The fact he translated it to a game setting is very encouraging and suggests he's making a charge for a spot on the final roster.

If the season started today, Stephens Jr. would have a leg up on Hendershot. The rookie needs work as a blocker, but if Dallas wants more upside and athleticism at the position, Hendershot could be the odd man out, which makes Saturday's game vs Seattle all the more important for the 24-year-old.

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