It’s all understood that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the majority of the starters won’t play in the preseason.

Prescott has not played a preseason game since 2019.

And if Prescott is not on the field there is no point in playing star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

That attitude has been attached to the rest of the starters and proven players as well.

There is no point putting them in harms way for meaningless preseason game.

There is too much stake in the regular season and the Cowboys are using last Tuesday’s scrimmage against the  Los Angeles Rams and this Tuesday’s scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints to get their starters ready for real football.

But there are lessons to be learned in the preseason, starting Saturday against the Seahawks, in terms of experience for young players and position battles.

Here are five things to watch in the preseason opener vs. the Seahawks:

1. The stars may not be suiting up but prize first round rookies in safety Caleb Downs and defensive end Malachi Lawrence will be taking the field. Downs has been working with the starters as the slot corner and he will also see time at safety. Lawrence has had a slow start to camp and has been getting second and third team reps. He needs the experience to hone his pass rush moves.

2. The battle at back up quarterback behind Dak Prescott will take center stage. Joe Milton and Sam Howell have been alternating in practice. Milton was last year’s backup and had tremendous upside but remains unproven and inexperienced. His athleticism can only take him so far. He must show growth as a quarterback in games. Pickett has 18 career starts in stints with Washington, Seattle, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

3.  Backup running back will also be under the microscope. Javonte Williams is entrenched as the starter. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are fighting to be his primary backup. The speedy Blue is the perfect change of pace back to play behind the more physical Williams. But he must show more toughness and learn to take care of the football. He had a disappointing fumble in the scrimmage against the Rams. Mafah is a steady bruiser who has surprising speed. 

4. Receiver is another area of focus as the Cowboys are trying to round out the fourth, fifth and possibly sixth spots behind Lamb, Pickens and third receiver Ryan Flournoy. KaVante Turpin has a place as the primary returner and gadget.  Undrafted rookie Camden Brown has been very impressive in practice. He ever took reps with the first team this week. He must prove he can make plays under the lights in a game.5. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams will plays in preseason. Coach Brian Schottenheimer will call plays in the regular season but he is grooming Adams for his next job, possible as a head coach in 2027. 

5. Shavon Revel Jr. has continued to stack good days on top of good days in his battle with Cobie Durant for the starting spot at cornerback opposite DaRon Bland. Interestingly enough, Revel is playing against the Seahawks. Durant is not playing. The Cowboys want to see Revel take next step as he has the size, speed and athleticism to be a top cornerback. Look for him to get between 6 and 11 plays, maybe a couple of series of action. Revel is finally healthy after dealing with the effects of a torn ACL in college for much of his rookie season in 2025.