When Dak Prescott missed multiple games in 2022, Cooper Rush was the unsung hero of the season and led the Dallas Cowboys to a 4-1 record. Brian Schottenheimer hopes that, in an emergency, either Joe Milton or Sam Howell can be relied on in the same way.
With the backup quarterback battle coming down to the wire, Friday night’s preseason finale will mean a lot. Many other roster battles will also be settled soon.
Here is the latest news around the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys have a QB2. They also have a trade asset. Which one is which? – Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Joe Milton has looked the best he ever
has in a Cowboys uniform this preseason.
Well, as things stand going into the final week of the preseason, it’s realistic to say that Joe Milton III and Sam Howell have both shown that they are capable of being the backup to Dak Prescott going into the season, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer sees it the same way.
“I do,” Schottenheimer said on Monday. “Yeah, I really do, and I think it’s a great competition … Joe’s performed beautifully in both games, and you can’t look at the numbers and not know that, but just watch him play … But Sam’s made a lot of plays too. Sam had a beautiful two-minute drive against Seattle.”
Roster decisions facing the Cowboys at each position ahead of deadline – Nick Eatman/Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com
The backup running back position looms large for Dallas’ offense.
Running Back: Just like quarterback, everything below the starter is a question mark. Javonte Williams is the starter and after that, we’re not sure if anyone else has a solid spot on the roster. One would assume Malik Davis has done enough to remain the backup but Jayden Blue played well last week in Arizona – as did Phil Mafah, who turned his only carry into a touchdown. And Schottenheimer said he will continue to include Israel Abanikanda in the mix. – (Nick Eatman)
What Cowboys VP Will McClay said about what he sees different about this team – Jon Machota, The Athletic
Will McClay talks about the team’s newest addition, Von Miller
What do you think Von Miller can still contribute?
He can still get after the passer. When you have a bunch of rushers, the offense has to figure out what you’re doing, how you’re doing it. I think (new defensive coordinator Christian Parker) will use that very well. But also the leadership. We have young players that they’re learning from coaching, but they also learn better from guys that have done it at a high level. They’re probably more willing to listen to that. And he’s the right kind of guy to pour into a guy like Malachi (Lawrence) and some of the young guys we have. But he can still play. And he’ll contribute to the pass rush.
2026 NFL 53-man roster deadline: Cut candidates, trade targets – Kevin Patra, NFL.com
Who could the Cowboys trade away for something in return?
The coaching staff might still be holding out, but in my opinion, Joe Milton III already won the backup job. Howell has duplicative skills of numerous other quarterbacks who bounce around the league. He’s a practice squad candidate rather than an initial 53-man guy. Or maybe I’m just anti-Sam.
The addition of Von Miller pushes one of the incumbent edge rushers off the roster. I think James Houston’s pure rush ability keeps him on the club. Between Williams and Marist Liufau, I lean toward Dallas keeping the latter, who is a better special-teams player.
Daily discussion question: Does it feel like Caleb Downs isn’t as big of a story right now as we thought he’d be?
