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.

How to watch Cowboys vs Saints in the USA

The Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints preseason game will be available to watch in the USA through Fubo, NFL+ and ESPN Unlimited.

Can I watch Cowboys vs Saints for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, providing a potential way to watch Cowboys vs. Saints without paying upfront. The platform’s official listing for the matchup currently displays a “Try for free” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Cowboys and Saints meet in the final game of the 2026 NFL preseason, so the result itself will not affect either team’s regular-season record. The bigger stakes are on the roster bubble, with both coaching staffs using the final preseason opportunity to make decisions before the 53-man roster deadline.

Dallas has already identified its backup quarterback competition as one of the main storylines, with Joe Milton and Sam Howell battling for the job behind Dak Prescott. Milton enters the finale with momentum after his performance against the Cardinals, while Howell still has an opportunity to make the competition closer.

The Cowboys’ coaching staff has described both quarterbacks as capable options, but the final preseason game gives them another chance to evaluate how each handles extended playing time.

The Saints are in a different situation at quarterback and have decided to rest most of their starters against Dallas. Head coach Kellen Moore believes the team’s three joint practices against Jacksonville, Dallas and the Rams provided enough work for the projected first unit, totaling 145 joint-practice snaps. That shifts the focus toward players competing for roster spots and depth roles.

What time is the Cowboys vs Saints match?

The Cowboys vs. Saints game kicks off on Friday, August 28, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the local kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

Sean McVay plans to protect veteran starters and key players from injury, and that’s why Stafford is not playing vs. Saints. Hence, it will be different signal-callers during the preseason game.

Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson will take the field vs. Saints as the Rams‘ quarterbacks. They are in a big-time QB2 battle as well so both players are fully motivated to give their all on the gridiron.

Stetson Bennett vs Ty Simpson

Bennett held the early edge in second-team reps but Simpson’s stellar preseason debut against the Kansas City Chiefs made the QB2 an open job with both fighting to be Stafford’s backup.

Bennett relies on deep familiarity with Sean McVay’s offense and veteran competitive grit, whereas Simpson offers high-end physical traits, fast processing, and prototypical first-round upside.

Is Tyler Shough playing vs Rams?

Head coach Kellen Moore plans to rest Tyler Shough and other first-team players vs Rams, having already evaluated Shough during their joint practice sessions earlier in the week.

Hence, Spencer Rattler is the one that will get plenty of snaps in this game. Zach Wilson is also one that could see plenty of action, alongside Hunter Dekkers too. The Saints could also have a QB2 battle as Wilson and Rattler fight for their spot on the roster.

How to watch Rams vs Saints in the USA

The Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints preseason game will be available in the U.S. through Fubo and NFL+. These are the only ways to watch the NFL game.

Can I watch Rams vs Saints for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Rams vs. Saints through the 5-day free trial. The platform currently advertises a five-day free trial for eligible new customers, although availability and the channels included can vary by location.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, so the result will not count toward the regular-season standings. Instead, the matchup is an important evaluation opportunity with both teams using the preseason to assess depth, young players and unresolved roster battles before the final 53-man roster deadline.

The Rams enter the game after a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Saints are looking to respond after a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener.

The Saints have their own quarterback question behind starter Tyler Shough. Shough is expected to sit again, meaning Spencer Rattler could receive another opportunity after a difficult outing against Jacksonville. Rattler is competing with Zach Wilson for the backup role, while New Orleans also wants to evaluate a rookie class that has generated optimism during training camp.

What time is the Rams vs Saints match?

The Rams vs Saints match kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 4:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 4:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 3:00 PM CT
• Mountain Time: 2:00 PM MT
• Pacific Time: 1:00 PM PT

Several altercations broke out during the session, with videos quickly spreading across social media and generating plenty of controversy. The NFL had already warned teams that maintaining sportsmanship during joint practices would be a major priority, making the Cowboys-Saints incident particularly costly.

Now, the league’s decision makes its position clear: competition is encouraged at joint practices, but unsportsmanlike behavior that threatens player safety will come with a significant price.

Why did the NFL fine the Cowboys and Saints?

The $500,000 fines were issued after the league determined that the actions during the joint practice crossed the line of acceptable behavior. Insider Adam Schefter explained the NFL’s position.

“The Competition Committee has made sportsmanship, including at joint practices, a point of emphasis over the past several years. All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury.”

That warning is especially important because joint practices are designed to give teams competitive work against opponents without the risks and consequences associated with a regular-season game.

The Cowboys and Saints instead saw the session descend into multiple confrontations, creating exactly the type of situation the league has been trying to prevent.

Cowboys and Saints receive historic joint-practice punishment

The financial impact is significant, but the message behind the punishment could be even more important. The NFL wants teams to maintain control when practicing against another squad, particularly because players are not protected by the same game-day structure and officials that exist during regular-season contests. A fight can quickly escalate and potentially cause injuries to important players.

The Cowboys and Saints now serve as a major example of the league’s new approach. With each organization receiving a $500,000 fine, other teams around the NFL have been put on notice before the 2026 regular season begins.

The controversy also highlights how quickly incidents at training camp can become major stories. Videos from the Cowboys-Saints practice spread across social media almost immediately, turning what could have been an internal team matter into a league-wide discussion.

As a result, the running back is expected to miss at least a month, significantly weakening the backfield heading into the start of the season. The Saints will open their Week 1 campaign against the Detroit Lions.

This is not the first significant injury to New Orleans’ offense. Jordyn Tyson, one of the wide receivers with the most potential, suffered a hamstring injury and will also miss the start of the campaign.

Saints’ backfield alternatives

With Kamara injured, Travis Etienne Jr. will now be the top running option for Tyler Shough. The former Jacksonville Jaguars running back will serve as the RB1 and lead the Saints’ backfield in the opening games.

Behind him on the depth chart are Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, Ty Chandler, Audric Estime, and C.J. Donaldson. Moore knows that his running backs could become one of his offense’s primary weapons.

New Orleans’ next challenges

On Saturday, August 22, the Saints will visit SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 of the preseason. They will wrap up the preseason in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, also on the road, on Friday, August 28. These will be the first five regular-season games of the season for Kellen Moore and his team.

• Week 1, at Detroit Lions – September 13
• Week 2, at Baltimore Ravens – September 20
• Week 3, vs Las Vegas Raiders – September 27
• Week 4, vs Atlanta Falcons – October 5
• Week 5, vs Minnesota Vikings – October 11

After Thursday’s joint practice, head coach Liam Coen confirmed that Trevor Lawrence will not play vs. Saints as they open their preseason schedule. Not only Lawrence, but many Jaguars’ starters will sit out this game.

Hence, Nick Mullens is likely to start against the Saints, with Carter Bradley and Joey Aguilar also seeing some snaps too. Pretty much anyone but Lawrence can see action under center.

Is Tyler Shough playing for Saints vs Jaguars?

Tyler Shough earned his spot as the Saints’ QB1 last year, ending it hot. Hence, he will also be rested vs. Jaguars. The Saints are likely to deploy Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson to play against Jacksonville.

Rattler was a short-term starter before Shough took the job from him. As for Zach Wilson, he was a former second overall pick whose career didn’t pan out as planned. Now, he is looking for redemption.

Liam Coen has a tough task for the Jaguars in 2026

Coen had a great first season as the Jaguars’ head coach. However, he now has to keep Lawrence in good form, make Travis Hunter a worthy second overall pick, rescue Brian Thomas Jr. as a top wideout, keep developing WR Parker Washington and keep the winning ways all at once.

Throughout his nine-year tenure in New Orleans, Hill defied traditional positional labels, lining up at quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, and core special teams. However, the 35-year-old playmaker has opted for a fresh start, making a move to the Mile High City a natural fit.

The primary catalyst behind these rumors is Denver head coach Sean Payton, who originally unlocked Hill’s unique abilities after claiming him off waivers in 2017. While rumors connecting the two have swirled ever since Payton took the Broncos job, no deal has officially been completed.

Is Taysom Hill a solid option for the Broncos?

The Broncos enter the upcoming campaign as a rising force in the AFC West. While Sean Payton has successfully built a competitive foundation, Denver’s offense continues to look for dynamic, short-yardage playmakers to elevate the unit.

Hill’s ability to operate out of wildcat packages, take handoffs, line up out wide, or chip in on pass protection would provide Denver with an unpredictable gadget dimension to keep opposing defensive coordinators off balance.

Beyond his positional versatility, tight end is where Denver could utilize Hill the most. With Evan Engram struggling to establish production and Adam Trautman serving primarily as a blocking specialist, Hill’s veteran presence and red-zone effectiveness could offer valuable support as quarterback Bo Nix enters his second NFL season.

Hill’s outstanding numbers

Hill has played many positions in the NFL, being a key weapon in the offense for the Saints. His numbers are outstanding, which would make him a highly sought-after free agent.

Per Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times, Saints GM Loomis is very non-committal on Alvin Kamara. “We’re just trying to see how he’s gonna fit on our roster. Obviously there’s a resource management element. We’ll get to that over the next week or two.”

This is a classic example of a team trying to make a legend “pass the torch” to a younger, stylistically similar running back. Both are dual-threat backs, with huge elusiveness, and patient-yet-explosive skill sets. Now, they have both, and they are not exactly clear on how to deal with it.

Kamara should be used by Kellen Moore

If there’s someone who can find a way to use two very good running backs, it’s an offensive, creative play-caller like Kellen Moore. The head coach debuted last season and the Saints actually had a great finish to the season.

Moore’s offenses use quite a lot of running game and play-action. Hence, the running backs are key. Moore uses this to open up the field for wideouts and give chance to the quarterback to play more peacefully. Also, Tyler Shough is not precisely the biggest arm in the NFL, he needs help to look good.

Kamara and Etienne could be a highly effective committee

Being able to intertwine Kamara and Etienne could allow the Saints to maintain arguably the same level of play while keeping the stamina of the running game. This could also allow the Saints to run the ball without hesitation.

Running the ball opens up the game for the offense, but it also makes the team in charge to control the tempo of the game. The fact is, the team might want to see where Kamara fits in, but there are huge opportunities to actually fit him in the scheme.

Moore said Tyson had a rest day as the team is “putting together a plan for him.” Hence, it’s not like he has a new injury. After all, that was the biggest issue of Tyson coming into the NFL Draft.

Tyson has a history of hamstring, collarbone, and knee injuries. However, it not only seems like he is not injured, but the team is also planning for Tyson to be healthy and fit for the season.

Tyson must make an immediate impact for Saints

No one questions Tyson’s skill. He is undoubtedly one of the best wideouts in the draft class. He is a very complete receiver. So, if healthy, he will be tasked with delivering the results. After all, the Saints trust him to help quarterback Tyler Shough reach new heights.

Tyson will make a great WR duo with Chris Olave. However, Olave is also an injury prone wideout. Hence, the Saints WR corp is a boom-or-bust unit. If healthy, they are capable of absolutely burning defenses. However, being healthy is the issue.

The Saints project an upside in wins this season

Last year, the Saints won six games and actually ended the season red-hot. However, it was too late for a playoff push. Having said that, and given that they are in the NFC South, a division won by the 8-9 Panthers, the Saints should see their roster as one fit to win the division.

Hence, given that they have a good playcaller in Kellen Moore, two studs at WR in Olave and Tyson, two good running backs in Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara, and a QB who ended hot last season, it wouldn’t be crazy for them to think they can challenge the NFC South.

In recent years, Alvin Kamara has been the most reliable player for the Saints. Nevertheless, the club signed Travis Etienne Jr. to its offense, a move that Kamara views favorably.

“I think a lot of people be thinking there’s a beef or something when moves like this happen,” Kamara said. “It’s like, shoot, I couldn’t be happier. One, my boy got paid, and two, ain’t nothing but some help in the backfield. That’s the name of the game. One person can’t do it by themselves. I’m cool with it. Whichever direction that we can take it, I’m with it. I haven’t had too much a chance to talk to him, but definitely excited that he’s got a fleur-de-lis on his helmet, and he got paid.”

Alvin Kamara vs. Travis Etienne Jr. in numbers

Alvin Kamara is a five-time Pro Bowler and a living legend for the Saints. However, the club knows his future is uncertain, which is why the arrival of Travis Etienne Jr. makes sense.

Kamara, 30, has been a dual-threat player his entire career. His production has come through a combination of his ground and air attack, amassing 12,198 scrimmage yards and 86 total touchdowns in his career.

On the other hand, Travis Etienne Jr. joined the club on a four-year, $52 million deal. He has been highly productive as a runner, tallying 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns across his four seasons in the league.

Alvin Kamara vs. Travis Etienne Jr.: Who will be the starting RB?

While Alvin Kamara has been a cornerstone for the Saints, he is expected to serve as a high-volume “RB1B” or secondary option in 2026. This isn’t because he has lost his touch, but because Etienne Jr. currently offers more explosiveness as a primary ball carrier.

However, both are expected to share touches, with Kamara utilized more as a receiving and dual-threat asset. If the Saints use them properly, the offense can shine with both on the field.