The Dallas Cowboys'undefeated preseason came to an end in a 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints
. Dallas made a ferocious comeback to 24-all, led by quarterback Sam Howell and wide receiver Jordan Hudson. The Saints then drove for a game-winning field goal in the final few minutes of the contest and held on for the victory. New Orleans opened up the playbook early with reverses, screens, and draw plays, and it took Dallas until the second half to match it.The games mean zero in regard to the regular season, but they mean a lot for the team's depth as Cowboys players battle for final spots on the roster. What the team has learned is that they might have to subject good young players to the waiver wire because guys like Ajani Cornelius, Trevor
Keegan, Tyrus Wheat, and Howell aren’t going to go easy off this 53-man roster.
Sam Howell could force Dallas to carry three quarterbacks
Joe Milton had taken a lead over Howell as the backup quarterback to Dak Prescott after the second preseason matchup. He threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns, while Howell threw for only 65 yards and had an interception. Milton is still likely the backup, but Howell might have made a case to keep a third QB on the roster with his play against the Saints. He led a comeback for Dallas to tie the game at 24 before the defense allowed a field goal to give New Orleans the victory. His 12/18 for 155 yards and two touchdowns brought his totals in the preseason to 314 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception while throwing for a 67.5% completion percentage. Milton was slightly better, but will Dallas still risk cutting Howell?
The Cowboys have plenty of interior offensive line options
The Cowboys know their interior offensive line starters and have no concerns with them. T.J. Bass has been their best backup for a few years, but if preseason is any indicator, Dallas has a couple more options. Cornelius, a former right tackle, has moved to right guard and had an excellent preseason at right guard. The team can also add Keegan to that list. Keegan has played over 150 snaps this preseason. Most were at left guard, with some snaps at center, and he only allowed a single pressure. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Keegan the highest offensive line grade on the Cowboys with an 85.6 overall. With three starters and three solid backups, two of whom have practiced at guard and center, the Dallas interior OL is set for the 2026 season.
Tyrus Wheat could be tough to cut
Wheat hasn’t started a game in his three-year career, but his experience can help him make a 53-man roster in the NFL. He has over 250 defensive snaps between edge and linebacker and over 450 special teams snaps. This preseason, Wheat has performed well with a PFF grade of 74.2. He ended it with over 70 snaps, eight tackles, two sacks, seven pressures, and five run stops. WithMarist Liufau out with a multiple-week injury, Wheat could be the perfect replacement with defensive versatility and solid special teams play. If he doesn't make the 53-man roster, another team could pick him up off waivers.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: How did Dallas' preseason game against the Saints impact the roster?
