Clarence Hill: Cowboys camp insights ... Dak Prescott declines Peyton Manning, Netflix

Here are some insights from Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill on the second practice of training camp:

1. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the latest NFL signal-caller to turn down an opportunity to be featured on the Netflix series, “Quarterback,” produced by Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota were including during the inaugural season and the series got rave reviews. Manning and Netflix are looking a new crop of quarterbacks for 2023. Prescott is among the quarterbacks who declined the offer. The others include Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow.

“I get enough media,” Prescott said. “This team gets enough coverage. Just not something I’m itching for.”

Actually, Prescott turned Manning down twice as he was asked to be part of the inaugural season.

“A year ago when they approached me, I asked Peyton (Manning) if this would be something you would do?” Prescott said.

What was Manning’s answer?

“I didn’t do it, right?” Prescott said rhetorically. “And then they asked me again this year. I credit him though, credit to the guys that did do it. He did mention how all three guys would say it wasn’t a distraction. And I believe that. As I said, I’ve been around this organization. We’ve had cameras here and there and haven’t always felt like they were a distraction, but just not something I’m into to be honest with you.”

2. Two days after signing a $97 million contract extension, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has yet to participate in a practice. He is nursing a toe injury, per team officials. But the Cowboys are not concerned about the injury, and it certainly had no impact on their decision to sign him to a contract. Still, they want to see him on the field.

“I told him I didn’t sign him to all that money to see him standing over there,” vice president Stephen Jones joked.

3. Right guard Zack Martin remains away from the team in a holdout for a pay raise. He has the full support of his teammates. When asked about Martin, Prescott simply said: “Pay the man.”

Martin actually sent a positive text message to his fellow offensive linemen, indicating that his holdout might not be a long one.

“You all set the tone. I’ll be there soon,” Martin said in a text, per left guard Tyler Smith.

4. Speaking of Tyler Smith, he said he truly found out he was going to be playing left guard after arriving in camp. He opened camp at left guard last season as a rookie but moved to left tackle when Tyron Smith suffered an avulsion fracture before the final preseason game. Tyron Smith is back at left tackle, and Tyler Smith is at left guard for now in an effort to get the best five offensive lineman on the field. Tyler Smith said he wants to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

5. Tyron Smith remains the question mark on the offensive line. He has not played a full season since 2015 and missed the first 13 games last season. Per owner Jerry Jones, the Cowboys are going to take what they can get from Tyron Smith because he is still among the best at his position when he is healthy. They are prepared to adjust by moving Tyler Smith back to left tackle if Tyron Smith goes down.

6. The Cowboys are excited about the return of right tackle Terence Steele, who suffered a torn ACL last December. The team is going to be cautious with him. He was held out of two-minute-drill work on Thursday. And with Matt Waletzko out with a illness, free-agent signee Chuma Edogo filled in. It was not a pretty sight as he was a veritable turnstile for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who disrupted seemingly every pass attempt from Prescott.

7. Among the players who stood in practice Thursday were cornerback Nahshon Wright, who had an interception off Prescott as well as a pass deflection. Linebacker Malik Jefferson had two pass deflections. Seeing Jefferson and rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, two former Texas Longhorn stars, playing alongside each other was a sight to behold. Overshown has outstanding closing speed.

Nose tackle Mazi Smith had a sack. John Stephens may be a name to watch at tight end. He had a number of catches, including a touchdown. Receiver Jalen Tolbert flashed with a couple catches from Prescott, and undrafted rookie receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper continued to show up with the catch of the day.