(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
With the Cowboys getting ready to start their preseason schedule, don't you think that the projected starters should play a little more in the preseason? I understand the risk of injury and using those games to evaluate the younger players, but I think giving the starters a few more reps during the preseason would better prepare them for the season. – Craig Edson/Northumberland, PA
Patrik: Your question is one that isn't exactly black and white. There's a lot of grey area here. My stance is that when it comes to a definitive starter who is also a rookie, you absolutely put them on the field in the first preseason outing and also the second, but scale them back religiously in the third — seeing as there is no such thing as a dress rehearsal anymore. So do I want to see Dak Prescott on the field? Sure, for one series, and nothing more. CeeDee Lamb? Not at all. Tyler Booker? Yes, and a'plenty. The bottom line is it's a conversation, and not simple arithmetic.
Tommy: I think some should, and I think you watch their reps carefully. The Cowboys have already been riddled by injuries to start training camp, so anything sustained during a game setting is the opposite of what the team needs right now. That said, as we get to the second and third game, you certainly want to see some more guys at least get some run. Players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Micah Parsons, etc. probably shouldn't suit up whatsoever. If they do, maybe just a drive or two and that's it. You don't want to be knocking off rust in Week 1, but you also don't want to start the year banged up either, especially at those positions.
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