“It’s life, man. You’ve got to be able to live with it and roll with it and be able to deliver blows back whenever it’s time,” Milton said via ESPN‘s Todd Archer on X. In the battle to become Prescott’s backup, Sam Howell ultimately won the job.

In the NFL, resilience is often the name of the game, and that is something Milton is putting into practice as he returns to the Cowboys’ facilities. “I’m still the best quarterback in my eyes. So it is what it is. It’s just something you gotta live with, take it to the chin.”

Prescott takes the reins of the Cowboys once again

Dak Prescott is gearing up to lead the Cowboys once again as QB1 for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions over 17 games, Dak continues to be the unquestioned leader under center.

However, the offense hit a bit of a bump right out of the gate following a negative injury update on Tyler Smith, as the star guard is set to sit out the season opener against the New York Giants. Even with that blow to the line, Prescott will look to keep the momentum rolling and start his tenth year in Dallas on a high note.

Milton will look to earn his spot

Coming off a solid preseason where he completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions—plus a rushing score—Joe Milton is embracing a new role in Dallas. He’s staying completely locked in and ready to seize his opportunity whenever Brian Schottenheimer calls his number.

Dallas’ highly anticipated debut

The Cowboys hit the road to open their 2026 season on Sunday night, September 13, facing off against their division rivals, the New York Giants. They’ll be kicking things off under the lights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Speaking to the press, Prescott spoke on Milton being back with the Cowboys. “It means a lot. Just me, personally, I thought he would’ve been picked up in the waivers or whatever it is. Fortunate for us, we got a hell of a player back and a guy that makes our room better, a guy that makes our team better,” Prescott said.

Prescott doesn’t see Milton as competition, he sees him as a great locker room presence and a guy who has a lot of talent. The starting QB seems like a fan and friend of Joe Milton III. Having your QB happy is always a good thing, and by bringing Milton back, they made Prescott happy.

Prescott also spoke on the personal relationship with Milton

Prescott not also spoke on Milton the player, but also on their relationship. “So, for me, it’s just about being the right leader and the right brother for him, giving him everything he needs and make sure that he’s not pissed off,” he said.

The last part is very telling. Milton making the 53-man roster only to get cut a few days later will certainly upset any player. In fact, Dak acknowledged it. However, he still wants to help him grow as a player.

Updated Cowboys QB depth chart

Of course, Dak Prescott is clearly a franchise quarterback so that is not in question. However, it’s clear that the rest of the depth chart did move. For instance, Milton is no longer the QB2, it seems.

• Dak Prescott
• Sam Howell
• Joe Milton III

Reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Will Levis practiced with the Jets and given the reports that Jake Browning was seen as a potential fit to the Jets roster, it now seems like Levis might be ahead on the race.

Aaron Glenn recently confirmed rookie Cade Klubnik’s role behind the Jets. However, Levis to the Jets could make some sense. The team will likely hold a starting quarterback competition next season, this time possibly featuring a high first-round draft pick. For a player looking to revive his career, this opportunity to compete is too good to pass up.

The Jets haven’t made a decision yet

While he worked out, Levis hasn’t signed anything yet. The Jets could perfectly work out other quarterbacks like Milton, or flat out not sign him at all. Levis was just let go by the Titans while he was still in his rookie contract.

Levis has a 5-16 record as a starter. He has completed 61% of his passes for 3,899 yards for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those aren’t elite numbers, this is the backup QB market.

Geno Smith is still the undoubted QB1

Unless something happens, Geno Smith will surely play the whole season with the Jets as the starting quarterback. However, one thing is playing this season, and another entirely is to play and earn a new contract.

Smith will play under a one-year, $19.5 million deal. This means next year he will be a free agent unless he convinces the Jets to give him a new contract. However, for that to happen, Smith must bounce back heavily from a down year in Las Vegas last season.

“I think when we looked at the whole body of work we felt like Sam had done more [in terms of executing the offense],” the head coach stated. Insider Todd Archer also revealed that Schotty does not rule out the possibility of bringing Milton back to the practice squad if he clears waivers, although it is also a decision that the QB will have to consider.

The support from the coaching staff for the former Tennessee Volunteers player was outstanding, even though their paths may not remain together in the short term. “I think Joe is going to be a terrific player in this league,” Schottenheimer said.

Milton’s numbers that failed to convince

Joe Milton III put up solid box-score numbers during the Cowboys’ preseason action, completing 29 of 43 passes (67.4%) for 378 yards, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions, while adding 12 carries for 14 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Despite showing off his cannon arm and accounting for four total scores, his play lacked the overall consistency and down-to-down accuracy the coaching staff wanted to see.

As of now, only one backup for Prescott in Dallas

With just a few days remaining before the start of a new NFL season, one of the teams generating the most excitement, as usual, is the Dallas Cowboys. The staff led by Brian Schottenheimer will enter Week 1 with only Dak Prescott and Sam Howell available at quarterback.

Will the Cowboys bring in a new QB?

The short QB room in America’s Team could indicate that a new addition may be on the way. However, for now, it is unknown whether the Cowboys will bring in a new quarterback in the short term, although no options have been ruled out.

A new hope in Dallas

Names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens make up the offense of a team with serious aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl. To achieve that, they will have to get off to a strong start in an NFL season that promises to be highly competitive.

• Week 1, at New York Giants (September 13)
• Week 2, vs Washington Commanders (September 20)
• Week 3, vs Baltimore Ravens (September 27)
• Week 4, at Houston Texans (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 8)

Joe Milton is a huge physical talent and teams like the New York Jets, who have been in the backup QB market, could see him as a high upside backup. Also, teams like the Miami Dolphins could see Milton as a project worth developing.

As for Dallas, Dak Prescott is still the QB1, clearly. The backup is now Sam Howell. The Cowboys, however, have only two quarterbacks on the depth chart. Hence, they should be eyeing someone else.

Joe Milton’s profile is very tempting

As stated, Milton has a very strong arm. However, that’s not the only thing that makes him and enticing project. Milton is also huge, strong, and has elite speed at 6’5″. Basically, he is a quarterback with a linebacker frame. The New York Jets are looking at Jake Browning, but could get swayed by Milton.

Hence, he fits into the Anthony Richardson, Cam Newton mold of physically imposing athletes with huge arms. However, consistency is key, and that’s what Milton hasn’t been able to maintain.

Updated Cowboys QB depth chart

As stated, this is a very thin QB room now. It is likely that the Cowboys go for another quarterback. However, it’ll be one that adapts better to the scheme they practice under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

• Dak Prescott
• Sam Howell

On the Dallas side, coach Brian Schottenheimer said no Cowboys starters will play against New Orleans. Dallas will play Joe Milton III and Sam Howell at quarterback as the team sorts out its QB2 competition.

For the Saints, Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler are both competing for the No. 2 spot, and so far, neither one of them has really taken the job. Wilson had his moments against the Jaguars, but the regression that took place against the Rams has to be noticed. Rattler has not been terrible, but he also has not been good.

Saints quarterback performances

Rattler finished the game against the Rams 14-of-23 for 141 yards with an interception that was returned for 100 yards. So, his interception was returned for nearly the same amount of yardage that he threw for. Wilson finished the day with six completions on 12 attempts for 55 yards and an interception as well.

The confidence in the Saints‘ backups is not high right now, but this Week 3 will be an opportunity for them to show that Preseason Week 2 was a fluke and not the norm.

Cowboys quarterback performances

Schottenheimer said that over the past two games, Milton has played beautifully and Howell has made some really good plays as well. The two quarterbacks have alternated the starting role over the past two weeks, so it will be interesting to see who gets the nod against the Saints if Prescott is held out.

In his start last week against the Cardinals, Milton finished 9-of-13 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns while adding another touchdown on the ground. Not to mention, he had zero turnovers. Howell, on the other hand, finished that game 7-of-10 for 65 yards with one interception.

In the game against Seattle, Milton finished 12-of-15 for 107 yards and one touchdown. Howell finished 8-of-12 for 94 yards and one touchdown. Both finished with nearly identical passer ratings in that game, with Milton at 118.6 and Howell at 118.1.

“This is long from over,” the head coach said during his press conference. “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.”

The main options to eventually replace Prescott during the season come down to just two names: Joe Milton III and Sam Howell. With one preseason game still to play, Schottenheimer still has an important decision to make.

Milton III makes strong impression against Cardinals

America’s Team has been showing a strong performance this preseason, with two wins in two games so far. In their latest outing, a 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Joe Milton III made the most of his opportunity.

The former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback started the game at State Farm Stadium, going 9-of-13 for 179 yards and a touchdown. Howell, who replaced him, went 7-of-10 for 65 yards and an interception.

Will Prescott see action in the preseason?

AT&T Stadium will host the Dallas Cowboys’ final preseason game on August 28, against the New Orleans Saints. As Schottenheimer indicated weeks ago, Dak Prescott is unlikely to see any action.

The reasons behind this decision are more than clear: to preserve the health of their biggest star and have him enter the 2026 NFL season at 100%. This year, the Cowboys want to compete for the NFC East and, why not, dream of returning to the Super Bowl.

“I really have to pinch myself that we got him (Joe Milton III) after the last game that he had up there, starting there for New England… I’m just excited that we had a chance to get him. And he hasn’t disappointed. He’s actually — we’re just more and more encouraged by what we’re seeing,” Jerry Jones said, via Kristi Scales of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

In his debut against the Rams, Milton delivered a solid performance by completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards. He recorded one touchdown and one interception over nine drives. Demonstrating his versatility, he also rushed for 22 yards on five carries, finishing with a passer rating of 68.6%.

While not being hailed as a blockbuster signing, if he can improve his level, he could become one of the team’s most valuable additions. With Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback, Joe Milton III is positioned to take on the role of backup to the 32-year-old veteran. Given Prescott’s extensive injury history, the youngster could see more playing time than expected.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott praises Joe Milton III’s big improvement since joining the team

Although franchise owner Jerry Jones praised him, Joe Milton III faced heavy criticism for his debut performance against the Rams. Fans and analysts alike accused him of playing slowly and seeming out of sync with the team’s system. However, veteran quarterback Dak Prescott stepped up to commend the young player and offered a brief analysis of his evolution since his arrival.

“Something I push him [to do] is just playing every play and every snap like it’s a real game… Whether it’s throwing it away or getting to the next play or getting to the next read. I think [Thursday] was actually one of his best days… He ran a lot of plays out there, and it may not have been something you guys write about, but they were very much on the time clock… He’s grown a lot,” Dak Prescott said, via ESPN.

As Milton prepares to begin his second year in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are optimistic that the young player will continue to develop alongside veteran Dak Prescott. He might not be ready to step up as the starting quarterback just yet, but he is poised to evolve. Even the head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledges the significant promise he holds, despite the inevitable mistakes that come with inexperience.

What stood out in this situation was the reaction of the former Volunteers quarterback upon learning that, starting this season, he would be joining the team with the Star on its helmet. While many thought he might compete with Drake Maye for a spot in Foxborough, his path for this new campaign ultimately leads him to the NFC East.

“Was I surprised? Yes,” Milton said of being moved, via the team website. “I kind of woke up around, like, 7 o’clock, to a call and I knew I was getting traded.” Despite his initial impressions about moving to Dallas, the former New England Patriots QB expressed excitement about what lies ahead.

“The only thing I could have done, well, the only thing I did at that moment was to thank God,” Milton added. “Coming here was a blessing. I didn’t know it was going to be here. … I didn’t know where I was going to end up.

“I was just thankful to go to work. [But now I’m] back in the heat, for one. He allowed me to play in the dome, for two. And, three, it’s America’s team. Also, it’s just great to learn from someone like Dak.”

The internal competition within the Cowboys

Joe Milton III’s arrival in Dallas highlights a quarterback room where, although the Week 1 starter is clear, healthy competition is welcomed. The former Tennessee Volunteer joins Dak Prescott and Will Grier, ready to contribute to the first team from day one.

“It’s great, man,” Milton said. “We all have three different games, you know? Dak brings the most experience to the room and Will has been around football throughout his whole life. And then you’ve got me, whereas I didn’t grow up with a quarterback coach.
I just happened to be so athletic, and I bring extra tools.

“I learned along the way and I’m able to do certain things. So, putting it all together, we just shape one another as quarterbacks. It’s just great. We feed off of each other.“

In a recent conversation with the press, the quarterback drafted by the New England Patriots and recently added to Jerry Jones‘ team, hinted at his excitement about teaming up with Prescott and the significance of that opportunity.

“It’s great, he’s a great person,” Milton said of Prescott, via the team’s website. “This is my second time meeting him, so just being around him I feel the great energy that he brings and just willing and look forward to learn from him and really compete.”

The former Tennessee Volunteers player arrived in the NFL in 2024, after being selected by the Patriots in the 6th round of the draft with the 193rd pick. In his league debut, Milton finished 22-of-29 for 241 yards and accounted for two touchdowns in his team’s victory over the Bills.

Milton III’s message to Dak Prescott

The arrival of the former Vols QB to the Cowboys brings healthy competition in the quarterback room, which is, of course, led by Dak Prescott as the starter.

With his recent arrival to the franchise, Milton III sent a clear message to Prescott, letting him know that he will work hard to earn a spot, while also expressing how excited he is to join a historic team in the league.

“My family grew up a Cowboys fan. My mom always had a Cowboys shirt on. She always talked about them. Living in Texas has been a longtime dream of mine. And now I’m with them. I’m ready to work,” former Patriots QB said during an interview with Jordan Schultz.

It will be up to the newly appointed coach Brian Schottenheimer to ultimately decide who his trusted man will be on the field, although early indications suggest that Prescott holds the edge heading into Week 1.

Tennesseehad an amazing 8-0 start in the season with wins against top rivals likePittsburgh,Florida, LSU or Alabama. Then,Georgia, the reigning champions, ended that amazing streak. Even after that, theVolswere still alive in the race for the playoffs and, maybe, theNational Championship. However, with only two games remaining in the season, disaster arrived.South Carolinapulled a major 63-38 upset and the dream was over forTennessee.They finished 10-2.

Even though the playoffs are gone for Tennessee, the 2022 Orange Bowl is a great opportunity to send a strong message to the nation and maybe finish as a Top 5 ranked team. Nevertheless, in a shocking turn of events, the Volunteerswon’t have their best player on the field. Read here to find out why quarterback Hendon Hooker is not available.

Why is Hendon Hooker not playing for Tennessee vs Clemson in the Orange Bowl?

Hendon Hookertore the ACL of his left knee when Tennessee lost against South Carolina on Week 12. It was a crushing day for the Vols.They were oficially eliminated from the playoffs and their starting quarterback was ruled out for the rest of the season.

That’s why Hendon Hooker won’t be available for Tennessee to face Clemson.Joe Milton III gets the call in what will be his second start. He came in as a substitute in the final quarter against the Gamecocks and played in the last game of the season, a 56-0 win over Vanderbilt.