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Joint practice turns physical as fights interrupt both teams

8/19/2026

33 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Moore, Schottenheimer Address Fights

Saints coach Kellen Moore and Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer held a Tuesday practice that was interrupted by fights.
Schottenheimer said he was disappointed with productive work because of constant fighting.
Moore said he and Schottenheimer communicated about the fights, recalling they were assistants in 2022, and that he wants players to set aside emotion and focus on play.

Summary

Prescott Deep Passes

Rashan Gary recorded two sacks, showing the pass rush is effective without Von Miller.
Dak Prescott threw several deep passes in the joint practice, indicating progress before the regular season.
Jalen Thompson intercepted a ball.
George Pickens made a leaping 50-50 catch.
Offensive line backups struggled against the Saints, prompting coaches to explore outside help for lingering O-line issues.

Summary

Ezeiruaku Ejected

Ronnie Bell was carted off after overheating in high-70s heat and humidity during practice.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara left with a knee injury and cornerback Quincy Riley exited with a groin injury.
Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected after a fight with Saints center Erik McCoy, his second ejection this season.
Unusually high humidity linked to an El Niño pattern made the high-70s feel hotter during the two-hour drill.

History

Historical Context

In 2010 the NFL banned helmet-to-head strikes, moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line and stopped play when a helmet was lost. The league expanded safety oversight in 2011, adding a Player Safety Committee and requiring certified athletic trainers in press boxes. Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, led by Kellen Moore and Brian Schottenheimer, now risk penalties under the league’s $1 billion safety settlement.

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Moore, Schottenheimer Address Fights

Saints coach Kellen Moore and Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer held a Tuesday practice that was interrupted by fights.
Schottenheimer said he was disappointed with productive work because of constant fighting.
Moore said he and Schottenheimer communicated about the fights, recalling they were assistants in 2022, and that he wants players to set aside emotion and focus on play.

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