For a large majority of the roster, the Dallas Cowboys game against the Saints was simply another chance to build momentum heading into the regular season. For others, every snap carried extra weight asthe uncertainty of job security hung in the balance.
The Cowboys had already put together two strong preseason performances, but one final opportunity remained for players to either solidify their standing or make a late push before the roster is finalized.
Against New Orleans, both sides of the Cowboys front lines had their struggles, which placed additional pressure on second-level defenders as well as skill players alike. Somehow, Dallas was able to take the game down to the wire which eventually ended in their first preseason loss.
With the games
now complete, here are the biggest winners and losers from the Cowboys preseason finale against the Saints.
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Loser CB Caelen Carson
Cornerback Caelen Carson opened the preseason against Seattle with two opening-drive penalties that eventually ended with the Seahawks' only touchdown of the night. Carson once again committed a costly penalty against New Orleans that resulted in another score.
Dallas entered the contest with 17 total penalties called on them and were flagged six additional times for infractions against the Saints. Of the 23 total penalties in the preseason, Carson alone has accounted for four, or 17.3% of the total penalties accepted.
Rumors have swirled that Dallas would like to add a veteran cornerback and have evenflirted with the idea of signing free agent cornerback Adoree Jackson, who worked out for the team this offseason. If Dallas decides to make a move, it could come at the expense of Carson.
Winner WR Jordan Hudson
Cowboys wideout Jordan Hudson was the subject of a controversial topic aftera judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO)allowing for another year of eligibility for roughly a dozen NFL players which included the former SMU standout.
While that battle continues and decisions are yet to be attempted, Hudson had himself a memorable day leading all Cowboys receivers with four receptions for 97 yards including a 26-yard touchdown to jump start the fourth quarter.
Sam Howell finds Jordan Hudson again!
— NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2026
This time it's for 6️⃣
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6K7DVbVrg5
Dallas is especially deep at wide receiver so chances of Hudson making the final 53-man roster are slim, hence the flirtation with returning to college. If those plans fall through, Hudson would be an ideal candidate for the practice squad as his unique skillset, honed over a year in an NFL program, could be fruitful for both parties.
Loser - TE Michael Trigg
Undrafted free-agent tight end Michael Trigg has plenty of work to accomplish as a blocker, but his receiving skillset was one of the reasons he was invited to Cowboys camp.
Unfortunately for him, his hands let him down as he wasn't able to secure a handful of passes against a very stingy Saints defense. Three times the ball hit his hands and three times he failed to secure the pass. He finished his day with three targets and zero receptions.
That is three passes that have hit Michael Trigg in the hands that he was unable to haul in.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 29, 2026
If you aren't going to block in the run game, you have to be a reliable receiver.
Trigg had two notable opportunities for receptions early in the game but failed to capitalize. Later in the second quarter, he dropped a third-down pass, forcing Dallas to settle for another Brandon Aubrey field goal.
The UDFA out of Baylor missed time with a toe injury and a down performance against New Orleans leaves his roster spot in jeopardy. Trigg already had an uphill battle to make the team and now likely faces the uncertainty of the waiver wire.
Winner QB Sam Howell
For the second preseason game in a row, quarterback Joe Milton got the start prompting many to write off Sam Howell.
Howell did not get the memo and under constant duress, the veteran signal-caller was able to bring back Dallas from an eight point halftime deficit and tied the game late in the fourth quarter.
Sam Howell to the NEWEST Cowboy, Mitch Van Vooren for the TD and we are now TIEDpic.twitter.com/XM2JlnfRoU
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) August 29, 2026
Although his last drive ended in heartbreak, Howell showed that the backup quarterback job was indeed "neck and neck," as described by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the team may very well keep three quarterbacks on the final roster.
Howell paced all QB's going 12 of 18 for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a two-point conversion which tied the game late in the fourth quarter.
Discussions about which players to keep are underway and Cowboys Nation must now sit and wait to see how the 2026 Cowboys shape out. Teams must trim their roster from 90 players down to 53 by Sunday, August 31 by 6:00PM EST.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 2 Winners, 2 Losers from Cowboys final dress rehearsal vs Saints
