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Jerry Jones receives major Cowboys update as NFL announces key July date

Nairavoice · Jun 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Jerry Jones receives major Cowboys update as NFL announces key July date originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Dallas Cowboys‘ offseason drama is officially moving into its next chapter. After abruptly canceling the final practice of mandatory minicamp on June 18, the Cowboys won’t return to the field until training camp at the end of July in Oxnard, California.

Now the official date is locked in. According to Fort Worth Star-Telegram Cowboys reporter Nick Harris, the NFL confirmed Jerry Jones’ franchise will report to training camp in Oxnard on July 28.

This summer marks the team’s 20th year of training at River Ridge Playing Fields. The franchise has a contract to keep its camp at the Southern California site through at least 2030. As in previous years, the practices remain open to the public for free.

Before the team leaves for California, the Cowboys resolved a major offseason storyline. Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens reported to mandatory minicamp on June 16, ending any speculation about a contract holdout.

The Alabama native skipped voluntary OTAs after Dallas placed a $27.3 million franchise tag on him without offering a long-term extension. However, he confirmed he will report to training camp in July on schedule.

“Like the tag and all that, it’s just football first,” Pickens said, per ESPN. “Definitely play football first, and then worry about it… well, let my agent worry about it really.”

However, head coach Brian Schottenheimer wasn’t worried about him at all. “I know how he feels about this team and what we’re building here,” Schottenheimer said. “I’m not surprised to see him, and I’m thrilled he’s here.”

With consecutive missed postseasons behind them, returning to the playoffs is the baseline expectation for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in 2026. Because Pickens reported on time, the full roster will head to Oxnard at the end of July with something to prove.