Gameday Preview: 4 Cowboys To Watch at Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys head into their Week 2 preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with several key storylines to monitor, both on and off the field. This game will be pivotal for both teams as they work to finalize rosters and address ongoing challenges ahead of the regular season.

For the Cowboys, a spotlight is on the offensive line, particularly the competition for the starting left tackle position. First-round rookie Tyler Guyton has always been the leading candidate for the role, and with veteran Chuma Edoga sidelined by injury, Guyton's path to securing the job has become even clearer.

His impressive performance in the preseason opener, where he earned an 83.8 PFF pass-blocking grade, further solidified his claim to the position. As he prepares to face Raiders’ EDGE Tyree Wilson , who is eager to bounce back from a challenging rookie season, Guyton will face another crucial test as he steps into the starting role sooner than the coaches might have initially expected.

Another player under the microscope is Cowboys QB Trey Lance , who played the majority of the Cowboys' 13-12 preseason loss to the Rams , completing 25 of 41 passes for 188 yards in a performance met with mixed reviews. Despite his long layoff since leaving the 49ers, Lance isn’t using "rust" as an excuse for his uneven outing, which included several high or off-target throws and a missed wide-open touchdown to Princeton Fant . As the Cowboys prepare to face the Raiders, Lance will aim for a more consistent performance at Allegiant Stadium, hoping to challenge Cooper Rush for the QB2 role and secure his spot as Dak Prescott’s backup for the 2024 season.

On the defensive side, Marshawn Kneeland , the Cowboys’ second-round pick, has quickly made a name for himself. Kneeland showcased his power and run-defending abilities in limited snaps during the preseason opener against the Rams , demonstrating why Dallas was so high on him in the draft. With key departures on the edge, including Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, and the loss of Sam Williams to injury , Kneeland is poised to step up and contribute significantly. His development during training camp has been a bright spot.

Related: BREAKING: Mazi Smith OUT for Preseason Game 2?

Rookie CB Caelen Carson is another defensive player to watch closely. In his debut, Carson recorded 6 tackles—4 solo and 2 assisted—demonstrating his potential in the defensive backfield. Carson has emerged as a strong contender for the CB4 spot behind All-Pros Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland , and standout slot corner Jourdan Lewis . Known for his impressive ability to break on the ball, Carson has consistently disrupted passes during practice. In Sunday’s game against the Rams, he played 40 snaps, and while he allowed several short completions, the experience provided him with valuable game reps as the Rams frequently targeted the training camp standout.

Odds Summary per Forbes

• Moneyline: Cowboys +260, Raiders -320
• Spread: Cowboys +7 (-115), Raiders -7 (-105)
• Total: Over/Under 39.5 (-110/-110)

As the Cowboys take on the Raiders, the performances of key players like Guyton, Lance, and Kneeland will be closely watched. This game offers a crucial glimpse into the preparations and adjustments both teams are making as they inch closer to the regular season.