GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 13: Wide receiver Johnnie Dixon #6 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field during the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Mike McCarthy’s team has dropped its first two preseason games. But the Dallas Cowboys have seen a few players emerge this summer.
Pay no attention to the fact that a team that finished 6-10 a year ago has gotten off to a 0-2 start in the preseason. The Dallas Cowboys do have a lot of work to rebound from a disappointing season. But winning during the summer is far from a cure-all.
What is important is the development of players and adding either starting talent or depth to the roster. And these three players have stood out during the preseason to date.
3. WR/KR Johnnie Dixon
It’s another opportunity for the former Ohio Buckeyes’ wideout. Via Andrew Lind of SI.com, Johnnie Dixon was an undrafted free agent who latched on with the Houston Texans in 2019 but did not make the team. He joined the Arizona Cardinals a year later and spent 2020 on the practice squad.
Now he is a member of Mike McCarthy’s club and has seen his share of action in the preseason clashes with the Steelers and Cardinals. It’s been less about his pass-catching prowess and more about his work on special teams. He took two kickoffs back 25 yards apiece in the Hall of Fame Game vs. Pittsburgh. He handled punt return duties as well in both contests.
With Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, among others, the Cowboys are stacked at wide receiver. But a little help on special teams is certainly welcomed.