The Dallas Cowboys next preseason game against the LA Chargers will be a bigger litmus test than the previous week. With a bigger handful of starters seeing game action.

It is even more imperative with the second round of cuts coming on Tuesday. Bubble players can't afford another sloppy, unimpressive performance in the game.

While most of the roster is seemingly figured out, there are still some interesting areas of competition that need to be highlighted. Not just for the chance to make the team but to contribute as key rotational and backup positions.

It is a welcomed sign to see the Cowboys energy shift against the Chargers, after how flat the team looked last week. Both for starters and in positions lacking depth, looking for answers.

These are the biggest areas to keep our eyes on. Despite what we though at some point, these are not yet settled.

CB4

Rookie DaRon Bland continues to be one of the talks of camp. His sticky coverage has been on display and is getting his hands on numerous passing attempts his way. Even looking more impressive than second-year cornerbacks Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright.

While Bland was expected to come in as the sixth CB on the depth chart, he's outperforming a pair of 2021 day two draft picks to the point that he might be the best backup option. Showing his versatility and skillset in the slot, outside and even deep.

While Wright and Joseph are still likely to make the team, they definitely shouldn't be considered a lock to do so. Both played poorly against Denver and Joesph is on tight a lease as it can get.

Both will need to step it up against the LA Chargers and their impressive depth at WR.

Swing Tackle

Rookie Matt Waletzko came into training camp as the favorite to win the primary swing tackle position. Looking the best and most refined in OTA's. However, with his shoulder injury keeping him out for an undetermined amount of time, mulling surgery, the battle has come down to just three.

Josh Ball became the favorite until the Broncos game but got beat more often than won on the edges. However has since had a bounce back of sorts, performing well in joint practices with the Chargers.

Aviante Collins is the most seasoned of the Dallas Cowboys backup linemen, but also arguably looked the worst. With players like Nik Bonitto routinely getting past him.

Isaac Alarcon, part of the NFL's international player pathway program, statistically played the best of the three. Allowing 0 pressures on 23 pass blocking attempts. Despite primarily playing guard, is showing versatility and value as an overall offensive lineman. Making him a potential upset favorite to win the job.

Kicker (?)

Two kickoff's, one field goal and one extra point attempt. That's it. That's all we saw of any Dallas Cowboys kickers in the middle of this competition.

Kicker is still a position of need and uncertainty, but neither really got much chance to show. Lirim Hajrullahu got to attempt the one FG attempt from 57 yards but missed it right.

It's said consistently. Hajrullahu is the more often accurate kicker, while Brett Maher has the stronger, more powerful leg. Unless the Cowboys want to dip their toes in the free agency pool (again) they need to give these kickers real, fair chances to make kicks against the Chargers.

Otherwise, it will be rinse and repeat.

QB2

Will Grier didn't get a chance to play in against the Denver Broncos, but his case for the backup QB spot might actually be in his favor as a result.

The combination of Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci was an abysmal 21/36 (58.3%) for 196 yards one touchdown and one interception. DiNucci's touchdown drive and ability to move the chains with his legs gave him a slight edge, but not enough to ward off the strong off-season Grier is having.

Rush has since rebounded with a solid performance in practices against the Chargers but can't have a repeat performance if he wants to make it another week. And he definitely can't afford to get outplayed by Ben DiNucci, otherwise the Dallas Cowboys will be forced to move on.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports