OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys officially ramped up the physical intensity at training camp in Oxnard, California, on Monday, putting on full pads for the first time this summer. The milestone marks a major shift in preparation as first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit took center stage during team drills.
After several days of non-padded practices dominated by quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense, Monday’s contact-heavy session belonged to the defense. The unit delivered multiple takeaways and high-impact plays, led by cornerback Cobie Durant, who recorded the play of the day by jumping a red-zone route to intercept Prescott on a pass intended for CeeDee Lamb. Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. also stood out, breaking up four passes while working against first-team receivers Lamb and George Pickens.
The increased physicality brought defensive highlights across the field, including a jarring backfield tackle by linebacker DeMarvion Overshown on fullback Hunter Luepke. Rookie safety Caleb Downs also made his presence felt by blowing up a run play at the line of scrimmage.
sharpening iron ⚔️#CowboysCamp | @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/DcOmQV8BvS
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 3, 2026
The session was not without setback, however, as tight end Princeton Fant left the practice field on a cart following a collision during a running back blocking drill.
The hit-fest in Southern California comes on a tight timeline for head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff as they work to evaluate the roster. The Cowboys hit the field for their preseason opener a week from Saturday, August 15, when they travel to face the Seattle Seahawks. Following the three-game exhibition slate, Dallas will kick off the regular season on Sunday night, September 13, against the division-rival New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
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