The Cowboys broke minicamp Thursday stronger and sharper than they started it. Perhaps the most important takeaway from the latest series of practices is that there were no serious injuries. Sure Michael Gallup missed some time, but it was preventative. Instead of having to worry about injuries, the Cowboys were able to lock in and work on their new-look offense, incorporating new and old players, including the once-and-future-king Jason Witten back into the first team lineup. Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush ended camp hot, while Tyrone Crawford ends it in hot water.

Off the field, Jason Garrett and Travis Frederick opened up for interviews. Garrett gave his last presser of minicamps before taking off to his alma mater, Princeton, to host his 17th annual Play it Smart Football Camp. Frederick gave an interview to a two-man audience, but opened up deeply on his experiences over the last year, and what’s in store for 2019. Training camp is just 41 days away; Oxnard, here come the ‘Boys.

Gallery Cowboys 53-man roster projection View 63 photos

Gallup wasn’t the only wideout who was limited after OTAs. Noah Brown injured his knee along the way and on Thursday, it was revealed he had a scope that caused him to miss this week’s action. He’s expected to be fully recovered for training camp. In fact, all but two Cowboys are expected to return fully healthy in six weeks, save for two.

Pro Bowl CB Byron Jones and Pro Bowl DE DeMarcus Lawrence are both expected to start training camp on the PUP list after offseason surgeries. A hip for Jones and shoulder for Lawrence, there is no timetable to either’s return, though the target seems to be getting both ready to go for Week 1. Lawrence’s timeline is the shakiest, due to the 4-6 month recovery time and not going under the knife until mid-March.

Bryan Broaddus broke down what he saw during the final day of mini-camp. A number of players stepped up on Thursday lead by QB Cooper Rush, who bounced back well after a few sour days of practice. Broaddus notes that Rush found both Jon’Vea Johnson and Blake Jarwin for touchdowns.

I’ve been super critical of the backup quarterback play during these practices, but I have to give credit when things turn around. Cooper Rush couldn’t have thrown a better pass than the one he let fly to Jon’Vea Johnson along the right sideline for 52 yards. C.J. Goodwin tried to put his right hand up to defend, but there was no chance. The ball was beyond his reach and right into the waiting hands of Johnson, who never broke stride on the reception.

There appeared to be some miscommunication between George Iloka and Darian Thompson to allow Blake Jarwin to be as wide open as he was for the touchdown from Cooper Rush. Jarwin was flexed and enjoyed a free release up the field. With Iloka working wide and Thompson breaking late from the middle of the field, all Rush had to do was make sure he didn’t overthrow Jarwin in order to finish the play.

Tyron Crawford had a pre-trial conference scheduled today :: Kate Hairopoulos

When Tyrone Crawford got into a bar fight in March and video surveillance surfaced courtesy of TMZ, it became very apparent very quickly that his arrest was no mistake and that we’d be hearing more down the line. The chickens have come home to roost, and Crawford had his first court appearance on Thursday. There’s more to come with this story.

DL Tyrone Crawford had a pre-trial conference scheduled today in Florida regarding the misdemeanor unlawful assembly charge for his alleged part in a March bar brawl in Panama City Beach. Next step is a trial management meeting set for July 18. Crawford filed a plea of not guilty — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) June 13, 2019

Jason Garrett gave his last presser of minicamp on Thursday and had a few interesting anecdotes to offer. The last thing he said before exiting stage left was that Noah Brown would be out until training camp after undergoing a knee scope last week, providing insight as to why Brown hasn’t been on the field during minicamp. Blogging the Boys broke down some of the other highlights.

What’s the message to the players at the end of these practice sessions?

Jason Garrett praised the way the Cowboys have handled all of the offseason work, the effort has been outstanding through offseason programs. He voiced an idea of finishing strong and preparing the right way before training camp.

How different will the offense look?

As far as to what degree the Cowboys offense will change, coach said you are always trying to evolve. This includes studying trends across the league, evaluating your own talent, and trying to have success in the best way possible. He noted they are doing this on both sides of the ball, offense and defense.

Status on Ezekiel Elliott?

Asked if he knows whether or not Ezekiel Elliott has spoken to the league about the status of his incident in Las Vegas, Jason Garrett said he did not know. He didn’t know if anybody in the organization had but said he hadn’t personally talk to the NFL.

Checking in at No. 3 on our countdown is the Hardy free-agent signing. There were three big factors in Dallas not moving to the NFC championship game after the 2014 season: Dez Bryant’s catch being overturned, DeMarco Murray’s fumble, and an inability to get pressure on a hobbled Aaron Rodgers.

That’s why the club rolled the dice on Hardy. Read how every aspect of the decision turned up snake eyes in the latest installment of the series.

DeMarcus Lawrence asks Jaylon Smith if he wants to become a lawyer :: Mike Fisher

This one speaks for itself. Lawrence has an A++ social media game, a $100 million contract, and sharp funny bone.

.@TankLawrence asks #Cowboys LB @thejaylonsmith if he, a new college grad, wants to 'become a lawyer.' Jaylon: 'Naw, I'm a businessman.' Tank: 'Well, after all these damn dead bodies gonna be on the floor this year, we're gonna need a lawyer!' pic.twitter.com/HNwUtonszl — mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) June 13, 2019

Frederick is literally the center of the Cowboys offense. The center coordinates plays and is the de facto leader of the offensive line, a role Frederick embraces. No knock on Joe Looney, but with Frederick out last season, the Cowboys slumped in efficiency and the team will be elated to have him back in 2019.

Frederick offered Matt Mosley and Ed Werder a glimpse into the last year of his life, and what he’s looking forward in 2019.

Cowboys Wire has leaned hard into contracts this offseason, from top to bottom. The Landry Hat took a stab at fun angle today, pitting players’ contracts against each other and breaking down how they impact each other. It starts behind center with the backup quarterbacks facing off.

In the battle for back-up quarterback, Mike White has an advantage if neck and neck on the playing field. The second year passer is cheap and locked up through 2021. Cooper Rush is equally inexpensive next season, but that wouldn’t last.

Jason Witten said Dak Prescott has had “a hell of a camp” :: David Helman

“Gold Jacket” Witt is back in town, having most recently played with a second-year Dak Prescott, the worst Dak Prescott. While the Cowboys quarterback made strides in season three, Witten sees him stretching it even further in 2019.

Jason Witten said today that Dak Prescott has had “a hell of a camp” this spring. When asked why, he said Dak’s accuracy and anticipation have improved dramatically from before he retired. #cowboyswire pic.twitter.com/NXcwFDg6rC — David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 12, 2019

You can follow Burke at @BurkeDowner.