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NFL Check-In: Rudolph and Washington Continue to Turn Heads, Dez Schedules a Visit

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Several former Cowboys got their first taste of NFL action during last week’s preseason schedule. Others are still trying to solidify their spots on the depth chart and some one still has yet to find a team.

Rudolph facing pivotal game at Lambeau

Being the new kid on the block was hard enough before a little summer hype and an unprovoked QB storyline drove the narrative of Rudolph’s start in Pittsburgh. To make things even more interesting, he started fourth in what figures to be a three-man race for the Steelers’ quarterback position.

So with one game remaining before Big Ben starts to shake off the rust this preseason, this Thursday’s game against the Packers is huge for Rudolph and Josh Dobbs. The Steelers know what they have in Landry Jones so they’ll leave up to the young guys to compete.

“This is probably the most critical game for anybody who is on the bubble of this team,” said former Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch told TribLive. “Why? Because the starters are playing next week, and you come down to the final cut day at the fourth preseason game.”

Rudolph is still in good standing and is the current favorite to take Dobbs’ place as QB3, but he needs to put his best foot forward and continue to show improvement both on the practice field and on the turf.

Big Ben sees progress from James Washington

James Washington may have shown of a continued connection with Mason Rudolph last week, but he’s going to be looking to another QB to feed his hungry mitts this season.

And Big Ben has noticed Washington’s progress during training camp.

“You see him getting better every day,” Roethlisberger said according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I know early in camp we were talking about how he couldn’t even get on the field with me. Now we’re asking for him to be on the field so he can get some reps, so we can see what he can do.”

Washington says it was an adjustment period at first but he’s up to speed now.

“When I first got here I was kind of all over the place,” Washington in another article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Nerves were there. I was over-thinking stuff. They kind of broke me in slow. Once they felt like I was there, it was full speed ahead. I’m with the best of the best now.”

Forgive the giant excerpt but the following practice note from The Athletic’s Mark Koboly paints a picture of where Washington is at this point both as a prospective stud at the next level and in his the minds of his coaches and teammates.

One guy that the cornerbacks weren’t able to contain was rookie James Washington. He made three spectacular combat catches in the end zone — the third was better than the second which was better than the first.

…Washington went high over the perfectly-positioned Haden on a fade pass and pulled the ball in for a touchdown that had everybody shaking their heads including Haden.

“That was just a great catch,” Haden said. “I saw it; I was looking at it the whole time. I thought I was going to get a little one-hand pick. He’s getting better and better every day. Strong dude, strong hands.”

How can you tell it was an extraordinary catch? By the reaction of coaches and players.

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler told Washington it was a great catch. Tomlin was grinning from ear to ear. Receivers coach Darryl Drake had a smile on his face. Antonio Brown came off the sidelines to say something. Darrius Heyward-Bey walked back to the huddle shaking his head. [The Athletic]

Rudolp and Washington will make their Lambeau debuts on Thursday as the Steelers head to Green Bay for a 7:00 p.m. Central kick.

Carson’s Case for RB1 even Stronger

After an impressive albeit small sampling in preseason Game 1, Chris Carson appeared to retain his stranglehold on Seattle’s starting running back job.

Now with the Seahawks’ first round pick Rashaad Penny sidelined for the foreseeable future with a broken finger, Carson  has even more of a chance to solidify his role.

Carson and the Seahawks head to Los Angeles to play the Chargers on Saturday at 9:00 p.m.

Marcell Ateman steady, but under utilized?

In the Raiders’ preseason opener, Marcell Ateman tied a team high with four catches but gained just 22 yards. According to Bleacher Report’s Ryan McCrystal the seventh round pick was not properly utilized in his first showing.

It’s just one game so far, but let’s hope Ateman gets a chance to showcase his strengths. The Raiders play the Rams on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Chalk one up for Jarwin

Jarwin had a nice showing the Cowboys’ first preseason game, and appears to be in good standing to help succeed future Hall of Famer Jason Witten.

Even without Witten, the Cowboys continue to use 12 and 13 personnel, which will put two and three tight ends on the field. If we’re keeping score on the entire position, score one for Jarwin in the first preseason game. [DallasCowboys.com]

The Cowboys welcome the Bengals on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

DeQuinton Osborne Picked up by Denver

The former OSU defensive tackle was signed by the Broncos to try and earn a spot over the last three preseason games.

Osborne signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys this spring before being released by the team in May. The Broncos welcome the Chicago Bears on Saturday at 8:05 p.m.

More from PFB

Dez meeting with the Browns
Film study on Rudolph’s preseason debut
DeflateGate 20.0
Tre Flowers impressing in starting role
Tyler Patmon looking at starter’s reps
Kevin Peterson down for the year with injury
Chris Carson hasn’t missed a step

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