5 things to watch in Cowboys-Seahawks game

The NFL’s third preseason game is known as the “dress rehearsal,” the last time most regular starters play in a preseason game before the real season begins.

The Dallas Cowboys have their “dress rehearsal” tonight against the Seattle Seahawks, and there is plenty of intrigue surrounding the team.

Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott is set to make his NFL debut after missing the first two games nursing a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Dez Bryant is out with a concussion, as is defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford.

Cornerback Orlando Scandrick won’t play because of a groin injury, and it remains to be seen whether left tackle Tyron Smith (stinger) is going to get the green light.

Here are five things to watch in Thursday’s game:

Zeke’s debut

There has been plenty of buzz about the Cowboys adding Elliott with the fourth overall pick, an addition most believe puts the Cowboys in the mix to have the best offense in the league. But Elliott missed two weeks of training camp with hamstring tightness and will be making his professional debut tonight. Elliott is expected to get only 10-12 snaps, but there will be plenty of eyes on him.

Quarterback watch

This will be Tony Romo’s most extended playing time of the preseason. He could play the entire first half. Romo is coming off his best off-season and has carried that over with a solid training camp. But the star so far has been rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who dazzled with a perfect passer rating in the second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Prescott might not see much time with the first team, so watch how he fares with the second unit.

Missing Dez

Dez Bryant’s confidence was “sky high” when he left training camp, and nothing should change that, even though he’s sidelined with a concussion. Bryant’s preseason action is likely over, but he showed enough in camp and in the preseason to feel he’ll return to his All-Pro form. This game is more about how the other receivers step up in his place. Terrance Williams has a chance to shine in the No. 1 role, and Brice Butler should get more looks from Romo. Jason Witten and Cole Beasley should continue to be security blankets for Romo and Prescott.

How’s the rush?

The top storyline throughout the off-season and training camp has been developing a pass rush. It’s an unknown group right now, but this will be the most telling sign since the Seahawks have one of the better offenses in the league. How much pressure the Cowboys are able to get on Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will provide a barometer of where this pass rush is at this point. Shaneil Jenkins has shined in the first two preseason games. Who else will make a name for himself?

Secondary matters

Orlando Scandrick is done for the preseason with a groin injury, but that doesn’t mean the defensive backs won’t make an impact for the second consecutive week. The defensive backs played a significant role in making a goal-line stand against the Dolphins. Cornerback Morris Claiborne and safety Byron Jones have been among the standouts, and both are being counted on to contribute impact plays this season.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "5 things to watch in Cowboys-Seahawks game."