Who’s QB2? Cowboys’ Fierce Backup Battle Takes Center Stage Tonight
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Battle: Milton vs. Howell for Backup Role
The Big Picture
What’s Happening?
For the second year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys are holding a competition to decide who will be the backup quarterback behind star starter Dak Prescott. This summer, it’s Joe Milton III versus Sam Howell fighting for the No. 2 spot.
Meet the Competitors
Joe Milton III
- Background: Acquired in a trade with New England last offseason
- Experience: 17 NFL games, 0 starts
- Strength: Incredible arm strength – can throw the ball a mile
- Working On: Adding touch to his passes and mastering the offense
- Last Year’s Stats: 36 of 65 passes (55%), 397 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs in 3 preseason games
- Mindset: "I’m very excited… another opportunity for me to just showcase all the knowledge that I’ve been doing this fall camp… ownership of the offense"
Sam Howell
- Background: Signed this spring – the Cowboys wanted more competition
- Experience: 20 NFL games, 18 starts (much more than Milton)
- Big Season: Started all 17 games for Washington in 2023 (team that drafted him)
- 2023 Stats: Led NFL in pass attempts (612) and interceptions (21)
- Strength: Game experience and ability to move the offense
- Arm Talent: Not as strong as Milton, but can still throw deep
- Mindset: "You control what you can control… however many reps you get that day, you try to make the most of them"
How the Competition Works
Practice Rotation
- Both QBs rotate between 2nd and 3rd team during training camp
- Friday update: Howell got snaps with the 2nd team during walkthrough practice
- Dak Prescott (hasn’t played preseason since 2019) watches as a spectator
Coach’s Perspective
Brian Schottenheimer (Head Coach):
- "Very highly competitive contest"
- "Joe’s talent and ability to throw the football and athleticism jumps off the practice field"
- "Sam’s doing a great job of moving the team"
- "Addition of Howell isn’t a negative regarding Milton… wanted to create competition"
- Three preseason games will be the main evaluation period
What’s at Stake
The Roster Numbers Game
- Uncertain if Cowboys keep 3 QBs on the 53-man roster
- Loser of this battle could be cut if team needs roster spots elsewhere
- Other position battles happening simultaneously:
- Backup running back
- No. 5 wide receiver
- Swing tackle (backup offensive lineman who can play both sides)
- Interior offensive linemen
The Evaluation Timeline
- Training Camp Practices (happening now in Oxnard, California)
- Preseason Game 1: at Seattle Seahawks (Saturday)
- Preseason Game 2: TBD
- Preseason Game 3: TBD
- Final Roster Decisions (late August)
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Joe Milton III | Sam Howell |
|---|---|---|
| Arm Strength | Elite / "Jumps off the field" | Good / Can throw deep |
| NFL Experience | 17 games, 0 starts | 20 games, 18 starts |
| Preseason 2025 | 3 games, beat Will Grier | New to Cowboys |
| Current Focus | Touch, offense command | Making most of reps |
| Coach’s Praise | Talent, athleticism | Moves the team well |
Why This Matters for the Team
The Goal: Find a reliable backup who can win games if Dak Prescott gets injured
The Challenge: Both QBs must command an offense filled with other players fighting for their own roster spots – making evaluation trickier
Summary
The Dallas Cowboys have a genuine quarterback competition on their hands. Joe Milton III brings jaw-dropping arm talent and a year in the system, while Sam Howell brings real NFL starting experience and poise. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer insists this is about creating the best competition possible, not a lack of faith in Milton.
The next three preseason games will be the true proving ground. With roster spots tight across multiple positions, the loser might not just lose the backup job – they might lose their spot on the team entirely. For now, it’s a "very good back and forth" with everything still to play for.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why are the Cowboys doing this again after last year?
A: Last year Milton won the job, but the coaching staff wants continuous competition to ensure they have the absolute best backup. Adding Howell pushes Milton to improve and gives the team options.
Does Dak Prescott play in these preseason games?
A: No. Prescott hasn’t played in the preseason since 2019. He’ll watch from the sideline while Milton and Howell get all the game reps.
What happens to the loser of this competition?
A: Two possibilities: 1) They make the 53-man roster as the 3rd QB (if Cowboys keep three), or 2) They get cut and could sign with another team or join the practice squad.
How different are their playing styles?
A: Milton = "Gunslinger" with a rocket arm who’s learning touch. Howell = "Game manager" with starting experience who moves the offense efficiently but threw lots of INTs in 2023.
When will we know the winner?
A: Late August, after all three preseason games. Schottenheimer said the bulk of evaluation happens in those games, not practice.
Article based on reporting from Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California (August 14, 2026)