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 instead of Joe Milton, who is expected to play the second half.
This decision comes as a surprise, as Milton had been primarily receiving second-team reps during training camp and was listed as the backup quarterback on the unofficial depth chart. Coach Brian Schottenheimer had indicated that the competition for the quarterback position was open, leading to speculation about the reasoning behind the switch.
The Cowboys' choice to start Howell suggests they may be looking to evaluate him more closely, given that they traded for Milton last year and had hoped for more from him. The arrival of Howell has intensified the competition for the backup role behind Dak Prescott, especially since neither quarterback distinguished themselves during the offseason or training camp.
With three preseason games scheduled, the Cowboys face a decision on who will best support their playoff aspirations in the event of an injury to Prescott. Jerry Jones has expressed a willingness to make trades or acquisitions to enhance the team's roster, indicating a strong belief in their potential for the 2026 season.
Howell brings a season of starting experience, having started 17 games in 2023, although he struggled with turnovers. His ability to balance risk-taking with ball security will be crucial as he competes with Milton, who has faced challenges with accuracy since his college days at Tennessee.
