There are many key battles taking place in the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason. The battle for the starting kicker spot between kickers Lirim Hajrullahu and Brett Maher is one of the most interesting. According to Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ head coach, that battle will continue into Dallas’s second preseason matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said kickers Lirim Hajrullahu and Brett Maher will continue to compete ‘kick for kick’ this week. That means equal opportunities in Thursday’s joint practice and Saturday’s preseason game vs. Chargers,” wrote Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken via Twitter.
Kicking opportunities in Dallas’ matchup against Denver Broncos week one were very few. Both kickers had an opportunity to score points. After a fourth quarter score, Maher scored the Cowboys’ final extra point attempt. Hajrullahu missed the 59-yard field goal attempt for Dallas.
McCarthy didn’t see anything that would favor one kicker over another in the Cowboys’ preseason opener. The Cowboys’ head man, however, should have a clear idea of who his starting kicker will be by Dallas participating in joint practice with Los Angeles.
Mike McCarthy , Cowboys’ head coach, provided Monday’s update regarding the injury status to TyronSmith and Jayronkearse. According to the Dallas coach Smith will practice despite an ankle injury while Kearse will be resting this week because of a back injury. As Dallas participates with the Los Angeles Chargers in two joint practices, backup quarterback Will Grier will likely also practice this week.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is ‘hopeful’ quarterback Will Grier (groin) will work Wednesday in first of two joint practices versus Chargers. Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) will also practice. Safety Jayron Kearse (back) to be rested this week,” detailed Dallas Morning News‘ Michael Gehlken.
Initial reports indicate that Smith injured his ankle during a practice session with the Denver Broncos last week. Smith was briefly seen leaving the practice area, but he returned before Dallas closed him down for the remainder of the day.
Kearse missed practices last week because of a back injury and it seems that it will keep him out of practice for the foreseeable future. Kearse remains out but Grier will be back after he has recovered from a groin injury.