Cowboys 2026 training camp practice #4 live thread: Updates and open discussion

Jul 28, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; A Dallas Cowboys owner raining camp billboard along the Interstate 101 highway. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

TheDallas Cowboyshold their fourth training camp practice out in Oxnard, California. We open these discussion threads for every practice so that theBlogging The Boyscommunity will have a place to congregate and discuss what is going on out at practice.

Unfortunately, dropping a Twitter List into this page no longer functions the way that it used to due to changes that the platform has made. We do have a list we recommend if you want to follow it in another tab. You can access it right here.

In order to keep the flow of things as smooth as possible though we'll be dropping in updates and news items in this thread. Give us your take on them in the comments.

Here we go.

Editor's Note: This post will be updated throughout practice with relevant news, information and highlights. The newest ones will be placed at the top so if you miss practice or want to see/read in chronological order make sure to scroll down to start.

Okay...

Cowboys S PJ Locke is in pads and on the field, actually. We'll see how much he does, but that's encouraging.

- Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 3, 2026

The big man is padded up!

Quinnen Williams #Cowboyspic.twitter.com/BiQWH6MXeq

- Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 3, 2026

Caleb Downs is still a question though.

Very cool insight from Brian Schottenheimer on how they handle the preseason.

The Cowboys divide players into 4 groups:

A+: 0 preseason snaps
B+: 10-15 snaps
B-: 25-35 preseason snaps
C: Unlimited

They're deciding where to put Caleb Downs pic.twitter.com/1TE9Oc9Gw6

- Mauricio Rodriguez (@MauNFL) August 3, 2026

As we thought.

Brian Schottenheimer said that they will "not play most of their starters during the preseason" #dallascowboys

- Nicole Hutchison (@nhutchisontv) August 3, 2026

Injury update

P.J. Locke (knee) is closer to returning and Jalen Thompson (hip) is not ready as yet.

- Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 3, 2026

A guide to today's practice.

Brian Schottenheimer on first padded practice: I love this day." Monday's practice will have 2 scripted periods and 2 competitive periods. Klayton Adams and Christian Parker will call plays. Schotty said 3-team will get more work today. He notes a preseason game is coming up.

- Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 3, 2026

Pads are here!

With the pads coming on, Brian Schottenheimer said the focus is on not just thudding up, but wrapping up and releasing. Wants to make sure the players stay off the ground. Anticipates a physical practice.

- Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 3, 2026