America’s Team officially started their second session of OTAs in 2024 and one of their key projects for the 2024 season was absent.

The Dallas Cowboys have started the first phase of OTAs in May since the conclusion of the NFL Draft and schedule release.

Moreover, the franchise’s two-day training camp is followed up by further OTAs on May 23, May 30, June 1-2, and finally June 13-15.

Veterans and rookies take to the field for the first of three OTAs in May

The OTAs are the first time the veterans and the rookies will mix and become acquainted with one another.

Dak Prescott will be developing chemistry with his new offensive lineman Tyler Guyton. Additionally, the signal-caller will start to develop a rhythm with his new center Cooper Beebe.

This will be the first official training session for the Cowboys’ returning legend Ezekiel Elliott. The 2024 free agent put pen to paper on a 1-year deal to bulk up the team’s sparse rushing core.

Defensive newbies like veteran Eric Kendricks will be familiarizing himself with his former head coach, now defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer’s schemes.

Furthermore, rookies Marshawn Kneeland, Marist Liufau, and Caelen Carson will be registering their first reps with the franchise.

However, not everyone was present at the first set of OTAs.

CeeDee Lamb persists in a holdout and leverages a new deal by withdrawing services

CeeDee Lamb continues to stay away from the voluntary workouts while he maintains his determination to strike a new deal.

Micah Parsons has been training with his personal coach Tony Mack, but is expected to be present next week.

Legendary left guard Zack Martin had requested a justifiable absence from participating due to family reasons.

Yesterday, one of the Cowboys’ hopeful sophomore projects heading into 2024 was a no-show at training camp.

Tight end Luke Schoonmaker handed another setback in his 2024 preparations

Tight end Luke Schoonmaker has been nursing a hamstring injury, per Cowboys reporter Jon Machota.

In addition, the reporter has suggested the severity of the injury could force the 25-year-old to miss the remaining OTAs scheduled.

The Michigan 2023 draft pick played in 12 games last season, catching seven passes for 61 yards and two scores.

He started no games due to the successful emergence of fellow tight end Jake Ferguson. In addition, he was forced to undergo offseason shoulder surgery and has now been dealt another blow in his preparation for 2024.

Cowboy Nation and the media hoped to see Schoonmaker’s bounce-back season, but he has been given a major setback.