Five Things to Watch in Dallas Cowboys preseason opener vs. the Seattle Seahawks

Five key areas to watch during the Dallas Cowboys' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks:

1. Star players won't be playing, but rookies Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence will take the field. Downs has been working with the starters as a slot corner, while Lawrence needs more experience to improve his pass rush.

2. The backup quarterback competition between Joe Milton and Sam Howell will be a major focus. Milton, the backup last year, still needs to prove his abilities, while Howell has stints with several teams and is eager to showcase his skills.

3. Backup running back Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will compete for the role of Williams' primary backup. Blue is faster and can provide a change of pace, but he needs to improve his toughness and ball security. Mafah, while more physical, has surprising speed that he must harness.

4. The Cowboys are looking to finalize their fourth, fifth and possibly sixth wide receiver spots behind Lamb, Pickens and Flournoy. The team has several options: KaVante Turpin as the primary returner, rookie Camden Brown who has impressed in practice, and undrafted player Shavon Revel Jr., who is battling Cobie Durant for the starting cornerback position.

5. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams will be in the spotlight as Brian Schottenheimer calls plays in the regular season, grooming Adams for potential head coaching duties.