Milton's Strong Night
Joe Milton made another compelling case for the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback job on Saturday night, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing score in a 34-13 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Milton, who started the game, completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards, according to multiple reports. His night included a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Mingo, who got free on a double move, and an 8-yard scoring connection to running back Malik Davis. He also scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown run. The Associated Press reported that Milton threw a 70-yard strike to Camden Brown that set up the rushing score.
Milton led the Cowboys to four scoring drives in six first-half possessions, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. Dallas built a 24-6 lead by halftime, with Jaydon Blue adding 75 yards on 15 carries.
Howell's Rough Outing
Sam Howell, Milton's competitor for the No. 2 role, played the second half and completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards but threw an interception in the end zone. The Dallas Morning News noted that Howell was sacked in the red zone and missed on deep sideline throws, finishing with a 47.9 quarterback rating.
Howell started all 17 games for Washington in 2023 and spent last season with Philadelphia without appearing in a regular-season game, per the Associated Press.
Coach Keeps Race Open
Despite Milton's back-to-back strong preseason performances, coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized that the competition is not decided.
"This is long from over," Schottenheimer said, according to multiple outlets. "We're going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You've got to give Joe his credit, he's played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well."
Schottenheimer also praised Milton's ability to control the football, saying he has done so "at a very high level." The coach credited Milton with "two really, really good halves," while noting Howell's red-zone mistake "can't happen."
Rookie Snaps and Other Notes
First-round pick Caleb Downs did not play against Arizona after seeing just seven snaps in the preseason opener, as the Cowboys plan to give him limited preseason action. Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, also a first-round pick, played sparingly. Third-round pick Jaishawn Barham made his debut after missing the opener with a groin injury, recording five first-half tackles including a tackle for loss at middle linebacker, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Arizona's Gardner Minshew completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards, playing most of the first half plus one series in the second half. Both teams rested most of their starters.
Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel intercepted a Minshew pass midway through the first quarter after receiver Simi Fehoko slipped on his route, leading to a Dallas touchdown.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints in their next preseason game, while the Cardinals travel to Green Bay to face the Packers, as reported by the Associated Press.
Milton, a sixth-round pick by New England in 2024, has been with Dallas since 2025. He played in four regular-season games last year, throwing for 183 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His career includes four appearances and no regular-season starts, per The Dallas Morning News.
Some observers have noted that keeping both Milton and Howell on the 53-man roster could create roster pressure, with ESPN's Todd Archer suggesting that holding three quarterbacks might cost depth at other positions. However, Schottenheimer has not indicated a decision timeline, saying the competition will continue with more training camp days in Frisco.