Campo ends first camp pleased with Cowboys' progress

(Wichita Falls-AP) -- The Dallas Cowboys today finished up training camp in Wichita Falls.

That comes after one month of working out in sweltering weather and three preseason losses.

Here's a look: -- The Cowboys packed up their gear and ended what could be their final training camp at Midwestern State University.

The Cowboys now head to Denver for tomorrow night's game.

They'll return next week to team headquarters at Valley Ranch in Irving to prepare for their preseason finale next Thursday night against St. Louis.

The Cowboys open the regular season on September third against Philadelphia.

Next year, the Cowboys could train along the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley.

McAllen and Mission are trying to lure the team to a development known as the Sharyland Plantation by offering to cover most of the team's expenses.

-- The end of two-a-days and dorm life in Wichita Falls is a welcome relief for players who know they'll be on the squad.

Things are a bit tense for the guys still fighting for jobs. The roster must be cut to 65 on Tuesday, then to 53 just five days later.

-- The Cowboys came into their first camp under rookie coach Dave Campo looking forward to breaking in their new offense.

But the eleven offensive starters have yet to be on the field together.

Erik Williams was out until this past week while contemplating retirement. Larry Allen broke his hand.

Emmitt Smith hurt a toe and a calf muscle. And David LaFleur has been getting over groin pulls.

Mike Lucky, the second blocking tight end, suffered a season-ending knee injury.

-- Quarterback Troy Aikman has had plenty of time to work with his two new favorite targets, Joey Galloway and Jackie Harris.

Aikman also welcomed back James McKnight after a knee injury kept him out all last season.

-- Rookie lineman Kelvin Garmon started all three games and played well after missing last season with an injury. Free agent signee Jorge Diaz showed he can be an adequate fill-in on the line.

Coaches also took a long look at Tony Hutson.

-- Cutting down on penalties was among Campo's team-wide goals, and the early results are mixed. Other objectives were to improve tempo and work ethic, and those seem to have been met.