This is certainly a move not many saw coming. The Dallas Cowboys have released quarterback Joe Milton in order to create room for a fourth running back on their roster. Earlier on Monday, it was announced that the Cowboys claimed RB Emari Demercado, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, off the waiver wire. To do so, Dallas had to make a corresponding move to create space on their roster.
That the club decided to part ways with Milton is a stunning reversal from how things felt just a week ago. Milton was highly impressive in the club's first two preseason games. Many in the media and the fanbase thought he had locked up the QB2 role with his performances against Seattle and Arizona, but a less-than-stellar performance in the finale against the Saints
brought questions to the early anointing.
Sam Howell, who the club signed this offseaoson to compete with Milton to be Dak Prescott's backup, was impressive in Week 1, and again when he came in for relief of Milton against New Orleans. On Monday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer commented that he had yet to decide who would be QB2 between the two, but less than an hour after the press conference, it was announced that Milton was the player released to make room for Demercado.
Source: Cowboys are releasing QB Joe Milton.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2026
There's a reason why savvy media call it the "initial" 53-man roster and not the "final" one.
More to come.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Roster Shocker: Cowboys release QB 1 day after cuts in stunning reversal
