Three must-watch players in Cowboys' second preseason game

The Cowboys travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks in their second preseason game of 2023 on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. Here are three-must watch players for Dallas.

Deuce Vaughn, running back

The undersized (5-foot-5, 176-pound) rookie out of Kansas State is quickly becoming a fan favorite. During the Cowboys' preseason opener against Jacksonville, the 21-year-old led the team in rushing yards with 50 on eight attempts and scored a TD. Head coach Mike McCarthy said his performance was a "heck of an introduction to the NFL" following the 28-23 loss. 

Vaughn could climb the depth chart with another strong performance against the Seahawks. Backup RBs Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis haven't shown the same dynamism, combining for 24 rushing yards on 10 attempts against the Jaguars. Dallas needs a solidified backfield complement for Pro Bowler Tony Pollard after it released Ezekiel Elliott this offseason. Perhaps Vaughn is the answer.

Jalen Tolbert, wide receiver

During his rookie season, Tolbert underwhelmed, catching two receptions for 12 yards in eight games. However, the 88th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has looked like one of Dallas' most improved players throughout training camp and preseason. Evident when he wowed during practice on Tuesday, making a remarkable TD grab.

At this point, Tolbert developing into a dependable target is a bonus for Dallas since it will rely on WRs Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb this season. But the 24-year-old continuing to improve is imperative because it will give the franchise another dependable target, ensuring it has plenty of options for quarterback Dak Prescott.

Damone Clark, linebacker

Clark, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, missed training camp and seven games during his rookie season due to spinal fusion surgery. The second-year LB has been a full camp participant this year, and he's impressive. "Damone Clark will be a Pro Bowler this year," Cowboys on-air host and producer Kyle Youmans recently said on SB Nation's "1st and 10 Podcast."

Clark flashed upside in his preseason debut against the Jaguars, logging five tackles. The 23-year-old is favored to become the starting middle linebacker this season. The LSU product adds to a stacked LB corps that already features Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch if he fulfills his potential.