Overview
- Joe Milton was waived on Monday after Dallas claimed running back Emari Demercado, a corresponding roster move that removed Milton from the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.
- Sam Howell will serve as Dak Prescott’s backup to start the season after the club declined to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster.
- Milton compiled strong preseason numbers, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns across three exhibition games, which made his release a surprise to many observers.
- The Cowboys expect to try to re-sign Milton to their practice squad if he clears waivers, but multiple teams are likely to monitor and possibly submit claims for the 26-year-old developmental quarterback.
- Milton was a 2024 sixth-round pick who was traded to Dallas in 2025, and his release highlights how late waiver activity and positional needs can override preseason performance when finalizing rosters.