CRUCIAL GAME FOR VETERAN WIDEOUTS

The wide receiver competition behind Larry Fitzgerald is still muddled, but youngsters Christian Kirk and Chad Williams made their case against New Orleans with standout play. Time is running out for the other candidates to make an impression, and Wilks would like to see Brice Butler and Greg Little make an impact against the Cowboys.

Butler missed the Saints game with a foot injury but is expected to play in Dallas.

"I'm looking for him to step up," Wilks said. "He has an opportunity this week against his old team, so hopefully that sparks him a little bit. … Hopefully those two veterans can do something this weekend."

Little has one catch for six yards this preseason. Butler didn't catch a pass in limited work in the preseason opener against the Chargers.

Butler downplayed his return to Dallas after a less-than-amicable split, but realizes the importance of impressing the coaching staff as the season draws near.

"I know they're still kind of possibly making decisions on who and what," Butler said. "Even in practices, you don't want to be out there having bad practices. You can't go out there and not play well."

KICKER COMPETITION ONGOING

Rookie undrafted kicker Matt McCrane nailed a 53-yard field goal against the Saints. He has made both field goal attempts and his lone extra point try in the preseason. Veteran incumbent Phil Dawson has made each of his four extra point attempts and 1-of-2 field goals.

Wilks expressed confidence in both kickers on Wednesday.