League: NFL Sport: Football Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Cowboys finalize backup quarterback decision ahead of roster deadline

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 6:12 PM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

Cowboys finalize backup quarterback decision ahead of roster deadline

Summary

The Dallas Cowboys are set to name their 53-man roster by Sunday, with the final decision on Dak Prescott's backup between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell. Both quarterbacks performed in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, competing for the crucial role. Milton completed 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns over the preseason, while Howell had a performance marred by an interception. The Cowboys traded for Milton in April after Cooper Rush left the team, and sources indicate the decision remains neck-and-neck. The team guaranteed Howell $2.5 million, regardless of the outcome this weekend.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dallas has until Sunday to finalize its 53-man roster.
•Joe Milton III and Sam Howell are vying to back up Dak Prescott.
•Milton led all preseason quarterbacks in passer rating at 142.9.
•Howell started the preseason opener but struggled with a red-zone interception.
•The Cowboys traded for Milton after Cooper Rush departed for Baltimore.

Latest Updates

6:12 PMYahoo Sports — Are the Cowboys picking the more exciting quarterback or the safer one?

What they're saying

"
The Dallas Cowboys have to name their 53-man roster by Sunday and one of the last calls is which quarterback will back up Dak Prescott. Joe Milton III and Sam Howell went into Friday night’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints with the job still open, and Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that both would […] The post Are the Cowboys picking the more exciting quarterback or the safer one? appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
— Yahoo Sports

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