The Dallas Cowboys have made a notable change at the quarterback position ahead of their preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Approximately 90 minutes before the game, it was announced that Sam Howell would start, with Joe Milton playing the second half.
This decision comes as a surprise since Milton had been receiving second-team reps during training camp and was listed as the backup quarterback on the unofficial depth chart. Coach Brian Schottenheimer had previously indicated that the team was conducting an open competition for the quarterback role, leaving the outcome uncertain until now.
The change suggests that the Cowboys may have assessed Milton's performance from last year's preseason and opted to give Howell an opportunity to showcase his skills first. Howell, who has a full season of starting experience from 2023, may have an edge in this competition, especially given the team's aspirations for the 2026 NFL season.
With three preseason games ahead, the Cowboys will need to make a decision soon regarding their backup quarterback. This decision is crucial, as it may not solely depend on potential but rather on which player can best support the team should starting quarterback Dak Prescott be sidelined due to injury.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed a willingness to trade premium draft picks to enhance the current roster, indicating the team's serious ambitions this season. Howell's experience, including a high rate of big-time throws but also a tendency for turnovers, positions him as a player to watch closely during the preseason.
