During training camp in Oxnard, California, the Dallas Cowboys had to deal with a real fire at the hotel where they were staying. Fortunately, the fire was contained to just one room and no one was injured. Despite this distraction, practice activities were not disrupted. The Cowboys have been staying at this hotel during training camp every year since 2012, as it is conveniently located adjacent to their practice fields in Oxnard. This incident was just one of the many distractions the team has faced this offseason as they gear up for a critical 2024 season following a disappointing playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers earlier in the year.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Dallas Cowboys this offseason has been the absence of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out for a new contract. Lamb has been moved to the reserved/did not report list after missing voluntary workouts, mandatory minicamp, and now training camp practices. As a result, he is subject to fines of up to $40,000 per day for each practice missed. Despite the Cowboys reportedly offering him a lucrative extension worth around $33 million per year, Lamb has shown no interest in signing the deal. This situation has been exacerbated by cryptic social media posts from Lamb, where he has expressed his frustration with the team and its owner, Jerry Jones.
The contract status of quarterback Dak Prescott is also a cause for concern, as he is entering the final year of his contract with the Cowboys. Prescott’s contract is set to give the team a massive $55.1 million cap hit in 2024, adding further pressure on the organization to come up with a long-term solution. In addition to the star players, there have been issues with lesser-known players during training camp. Veteran defensive tackle Albert Huggins faced condemnation from head coach Mike McCarthy after knocking down an intern on the Rams staff during a joint practice. Former first-round pick Mazi Smith also faced challenges after suffering an allergic reaction during training camp, although he did suit up for the team’s second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite the numerous challenges and distractions facing the Dallas Cowboys during training camp, they remain focused on preparing for the upcoming season. The team is determined to bounce back from their disappointing playoff loss and make a statement in the 2024 season. The unresolved contract situations of key players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott add to the uncertainty surrounding the team, but the Cowboys are working towards finding solutions. As they wrap up training camp and head into the new season, the Cowboys are looking to put these distractions behind them and focus on their ultimate goal of competing at the highest level in the NFL.
