5 Takes: Brandon Aubrey should be on the plane to New York

The Dallas Cowboys finished their preseason schedule with a 31-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night, with the second and third teams playing all four quarters.

In a game with several compelling storylines involving Will Grier, Dak Prescott, and others, the offense shone with a certain QB1 calling plays.

With the preseason officially over and the 53-man roster set to be announced on Tuesday, here are 5 Takes from Take 5 Oil Change on the Cowboys’ exhibition schedule.

1. Will Grier has an NFL future

Following the revelation of the Trey Lance trade on Friday night, reports circulated claiming that Saturday’s preseason finale would be Will Grier’s final in a Cowboys uniform, with cut day approaching on Tuesday. Grier nailed it with one last chance to impress for the other 31 teams. Grier’s skill and potential were on clear display all night, whether it was extending plays outside of the pocket, shooting downfield with accuracy, or even taking off on his own. Grier may not have a future in Dallas, but he does have one elsewhere in the NFL.

2. Devin Harper is deserving of a spot on the 53-man roster

Since rookie DeMarvion Overshown went down with a ruptured ACL, the linebacker depth has been a major focus, but it has provided opportunity for Devin Harper and Jabril Cox to make an impact on Saturday night. I believe Harper made the most use of her opportunity. Covering sideline to sideline, making plays in the backfield, and dominating the defense were all on display for Harper tonight, and he may have just earned one of the final 53 slots.

3. Hunter Luke is someone who should be kept around

Hunter Luepke had the largest opportunity in his short career to showcase what he did during his famous college career at North Dakota State with the running back fight all but over coming into Saturday. Luepke settled in and excelled, rushing for 53 yards and pulling in five receptions for 60 yards, including an athletic touchdown grab in the second quarter that extended the Cowboys’ advantage. Luepke may not have a role in 2023, but having him on the practice squad could be beneficial in the future. I believe his biggest challenge will be catching up to NFL pace, but if that happens, talent will emerge.

4. Brandon Aubrey’s trial period should last till the start of the season

Brandon Aubrey made up for his 59-yard miss in the first half with a 59-yarder that would have been good from 63-plus yards in the fourth quarter, capping off an eventful preseason for the Plano native. In addition to the 59-yard efforts, Aubrey has a 29-yard field goal and an 8-for-9 extra point efficiency from his trial run this month. The leg has been put on display, and the consistency has shone through. I don’t believe it’s time to name him the starter for the entire season, but I believe he has earned the right to fly to New York to continue his Cowboys career.

5. Maybe Dak Prescott has a future as a play-caller

Jerry Jones joked before the game that Dak Prescott would unintentionally find himself as the play-caller on Saturday night, as head coach Mike McCarthy handed the playsheet to his QB1 to perform the OC duties in the preseason finale. While it was meant in jest, Jones’ statement following his performance may have a grain of truth to it. The running game was well-used, screens/draws were well-timed, Grier’s abilities were showcased, and most importantly, points were scored. Let’s look forward around 20 years.