5 thoughts on Cowboys preseason opener: Notable performances and what will …

Dallas Cowboys running back Gus Johnson leaves the field during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Qualcomm Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in San Diego, Calif. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas 

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones (31) works against wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (13) during a morning special teams walk-through at training camp on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, in Oxnard, Calif. (Smiley N. Pool/The 

SAN DIEGO — When the equipment staff started fitting jerseys over shoulder pads and adding bolts on the side of the helmets, Ryan Russell could not help but smile. It meant his NFL debut was getting closer. Closer is finally here as the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant talks with middle linebacker Sean Lee on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Qualcomm Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in San Diego, Calif. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas 

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory works against a blocking dummy during afternoon practice at training camp on Friday, July 31, 2015, in Oxnard, Calif. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News). OXNARD, Calif