Cowboys Corner

Strong fan count

Just got the official numbers when we were down on the field a few minutes ago: 26,460 showed up for tonight's practice in Arlington.

That's apparently the biggest crowd for a Cowboys practice ever. The 'Boys had 25,000 at Texas Stadium for a practice last season.

Not bad for a practice.

-- Tracey Myers

Roy vs . Scandrick

Orlando Scandrick laid a lick on Roy Williams a moment ago (no shoulder pads tonight, folks) and Roy was apparently hurt (left shoulder).

This put a damper on the evening, which was supposed to be a light practice just two days before the third preseason game.

Williams just went into the locker room, but not before he and Scandrick exchanged words. Scandrick told Roy, "I tried to not hit you."

-- Tracey Myers

Stormy weather

This place is huge, but you can hear outside noises just fine. The storms have hit outside, and the rain is pounding against the roof. Sounds like train. Tracey Myers

"Halftime" entertainment

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders came out for a little show. Hey, you get the total package at the new digs, even during practice. -- Tracey Myers

Felix Jones' toe

The left big one, the one that he had surgery on last year, seemed to bother him a bit after a goal-line play a few minutes ago. Jones called a trainer out to look at it, and he was flexing it and making sure all was well.

But he just came out for another play, so apparently he's just fine.

-- Tracey Myers

Hurd hurting

Wide receiver Sam Hurd is struggling to stay healthy. Hurd missed yesterday's practice, and just went back to the training room again this evening.

His status for Saturday's game against the San Francisco 49ers is uncertain. Meanwhile, guys like Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback and Kevin Ogletree benefit from Hurd's absence and get more looks. Stanback and Ogletree are battling for that fifth wide receiver spot.

One player's loss is another's opportunity, as coaches always say...

-- Tracey Myers

Let the fun begin

Looks like we're getting into the organized portion of practice right now. We're at the 50-yard line... where there is still no Star.

-- Tracey Myers

Crowded House

Just took a quick video of the crowd, which is pretty sizeable here at the stadium. Keep in mind, folks are still coming in.

Greats on the field

A few former Cowboys greats graced the field prior to practice tonight. Charles Haley said a few words, then Walt Garrison was just here a few minutes ago. Once again, love to tell you what they said but can't hear a thing up here.

And just a moment ago... Jerry Jones takes the field; his image on the video board drew a good round of applause.

-- Tracey Myers

McBriar launches 25 punts to start practice at Cowboys Stadium

The Cowboys are practicing in front of the fans at Cowboys Stadium this evening. As usual, special teams starts things off. Punter Mat McBriar launched 25 punts and didn't come close to hitting the massive video board. He kicked from each end of the field. He started at the west end, kicking three from the goal line, three from the 5-yard line and seven from the 10.

Then McBriar went to the east end and booted 12 from the 25.

Of course, McBriar likes his job, so you can be sure that punting one off the underbelly of the 60-yard-long video board wasn't in his plans.

Jeff Caplan