LAS VEGAS — With roster cutdowns looming in less than two weeks and the start of the regular season inching closer, the Dallas Cowboys will return to the field Saturday for a preseason contest against the Las Vegas Raiders (3:25 p.m. CDT; NFL Network).
You can find the television and streaming details for the preseason game at the link and more information below:
Betting line: Raiders (-7)
Over/Under total: 39.5 (via FanDuel)
Last regular-season meeting: Nov. 25, 2021: Raiders 36, Cowboys 33
Storylines
1) Rookies front and center
Two rookies, center Cooper Beebe and left tackle Tyler Guyton, began taking repetitions with the Cowboys’ first-team offensive line this week. Saturday in Vegas, Dallas could start both of the young players for the first time and get a look at how they handle themselves in a new situation.
2) No time to waste
Dallas needs to whittle the roster from 90 players to 53 by Aug. 27, meaning the intensity of battles for the final places on the team are at or near an apex. Several notable Cowboys skill position players will aim to use Saturday’s game to improve their chances of earning a spot, including quarterback Trey Lance, running back Deuce Vaughn and rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy.
3) A lit fire?
The two veteran defensive linemen the Cowboys acquired this week are unlikely to suit up against the Raiders. But younger defensive tackles like Osa Odighizuwa and Viliami Fehoko will probably see the field — and they have incentive to play well to boost their standing in a suddenly competitive position group.