RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesOXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Caleb Downs #13 of the Dallas Cowboys during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 30, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For a while now, NFL teams have internally debated the topic of playing time in preseason games, while fans have been doing it externally. Who should play and how much?
Injury is always the big concern when this topic comes up. Some teams have decided not to play any of their stars, opting on the side of caution. Other teams have coaches that like to get their players some playing time just to get a feel for things again.
Usually rookies get some playing time since they have never participated in NFL football before, and it would be good if they knew what they were going against by the time Week 1 rolled around.
But what about a rookie who people think is going to be a star? This isn’t like sitting Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb etc.
Should the Cowboys play Caleb Downs in the first preseason game? If you were the coach, would you play him some? None? Like any other rookie?
Vote in the poll and then hit the comments.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cowboys fans and fans across the country.
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