Dak Prescott does not like slowing down.
He does not like waiting.
The Cowboys quarterback wants more throws, more full-speed reps with his receivers against live coverage, more chances for nuanced conversations between snaps and after practice on what he and they saw in different situations.
Needless to say, this spring is an adjustment for him.
The Cowboys and coach Mike McCarthy were punished for having too much physicality at practice in spurts the past two springs. They can expect to avoid such consequences — and mitigate injury risk along the way — with McCarthy’s adjusted script. Players jogged around Thursday inside the Ford Center at The Star.
“It’s tough,” Prescott said. “That’s just what we are in now, right? The CBA and all that. More jogthroughs, walkthroughs. I’ve got to make the most of it, though. I think that’s where it comes in individual (position drills), pushing myself, making sure the drill work I’m doing, I’m not taking it for granted. I’m doing it with a purpose; I’m doing it with the right intentions.
“Just when you’re out there on 11-on-11, understand that we can’t be physically full speed, but my mind can. So, whether I’m checking it down or not, I’m just going through everything and making the most of the practice, regardless of the speed.”
Spring is the most expensive season for McCarthy.
He was fined $50,000 in 2021 and another $100,000 in 2022 because of physicality. The league’s players union, the NFLPA, examines teams’ practices, seeking such infractions for punishment.
The Cowboys conducted a lighter rookie minicamp last week. No competitive drills were held between offensive and defensive players. In a news conference, McCarthy said Thursday that the team won’t hold a competitive, full-speed 11-on-11 drill until minicamp in two weeks.
Some reporters laughed after McCarthy was asked if his fines influenced the change.
“Well, I’m glad you find the humor in it,” McCarthy said. “My wife and I don’t think it is really funny. It’s actually a sore spot for me. I’m on camera or I’d tell you exactly how I really feel. We’ve got to follow the rules.
Briefly: Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse planned to change his jersey number to zero, but after discussion, he is back at No. 27. “Some logistical things,” Kearse said. “We couldn’t get it worked out. I’m 27. This is me. Twenty-seven is for me. I’m 27.” Kearse did not specify what obstacles presented themselves. Effective this year, NFL players are allowed to wear zero. No Cowboys player has been assigned the jersey, including third-round pick Demarvion Overshown. The linebacker wore zero at Texas. …Kicker Tristan Vizcaino attempted nine field goals indoors Thursday and missed at least two, going wide right from 37 and 51 yards. Special teams coordinator John Fassel operated as his holder. … Running back Tony Pollard participated in the first 20 minutes of practice at a jog-through pace. …Cornerback Trevon Diggs, right guard Zack Martin, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, punter Bryan Anger and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, safety Malik Hooker, nose tackle Johnathan Hankins and offensive lineman Terence Steele were among the players not to participate. “I’m an old school Corvette,” Lawrence said. “You can’t mess up the engine. You got to make sure it’s running every week. You don’t bring it out onto the streets until it’s really time.”
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