Milton’s roster status in spotlight at Cowboys camp
Oxnard, Calif. — Joe Milton, in his third season with the Dallas Cowboys, has arrived at training camp under fresh pressure after the club added veteran Sam Howell to the quarterback room. The move has turned what would typically be a development year into a direct competition for the backup role behind starter Dak Prescott, and according to observers, Milton’s place on the 53-man roster is now in doubt.
Training camp is shaping up with multiple storylines across the Cowboys’ depth chart, with competition on both sides of the ball. Defensive changes under coach Christian Parker’s vision are attracting attention, while on offence several position battles will be closely watched. Alongside the quarterback fight, camp features a left-tackle duel between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas, a contest for Luke Schoonmaker’s place on the depth chart, and running back Jaydon Blue’s effort to establish himself in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme.
- Quarterback competition: Joe Milton vs. Sam Howell for the No. 2 role and a roster spot.
- Left tackle: Tyler Guyton vs. Nate Thomas for starting duties.
- Tight end/depth: Luke Schoonmaker fighting to secure his roster position.
- Running back: Jaydon Blue aiming to carve out a role in the offence.
Those around the team say the signing of Howell carries multiple interpretations. One is that Howell’s presence is intended to accelerate Milton’s development by creating competition. The other is that Howell was brought in because the organisation is uncertain Milton has progressed sufficiently to be a reliable long-term backup or potential successor.
"The writing is on the wall in terms of what's going on now," said Mike Fisher, reflecting on Milton's situation.
Fisher, speaking about roster planning, added that the Cowboys likely did not envision keeping three quarterbacks when setting their initial 53-man roster. That observation underscores the stakes: the battle is not just for the backup job but for a seat on the roster at all. Some within the discussion expect the club to make a decision during initial cuts that could see one of the two quarterbacks released and possibly re-signed later if necessary.
Milton is known for his physical tools — size and arm strength that attracted the club — but Howell brings starting experience and a track record as an NFL starter. Howell’s career record as a starter (noted by evaluators) and his existing game experience are seen as meaningful factors in the competition, especially if the team is seeking immediate, game-ready options should Prescott be unavailable.
| Position | Main Contenders | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Joe Milton, Sam Howell | Backup role to Dak Prescott; roster spot at stake |
| Left tackle | Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas | Battle for starting protection on the blind side |
| Tight end/depth | Luke Schoonmaker | Competition to secure a role on offence |
For observers in Milton and across Ontario who follow Canadians and NFL prospects, the outcome will matter most if Milton solidifies his role and sees meaningful regular-season snaps. For the player himself, the immediate priority is clear: camp performance will determine whether he enters the season as Prescott’s primary backup or faces the uncertainty of competing for a roster spot elsewhere.
Training camp in Oxnard will provide the first public measures of form and adaptability. Practice reps, preseason snaps and the coaching staff’s comfort level with game preparedness are expected to guide the Cowboys’ final decisions when they trim to a 53-man roster. For now, Milton’s third season has become a defining one — a test of progress, poise and readiness under direct challenge.
Milton’s career trajectory with Dallas will hinge on how he responds to the challenge in camp. The coming weeks in Oxnard should make clear whether the club views him as its next long-term backup option or whether Howell will supplant him for that role.
