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NFL·PREVIEW·August 15, 2026 07:59 AM ET

Milton, Howell take Cowboys' QB2 fight into preseason

Blue and Mafah also enter a tight race for RB2

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 151 min read
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What happened: Joe Milton III and Sam Howell are set to split most of the quarterback snaps behind Dak Prescott. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will receive extensive work as they compete to back up Javonte Williams.

Why it matters: The quarterback decision will set Dallas' primary insurance behind Prescott for the 2026 season. At running back, the exhibition workload offers Blue and Mafah a direct route to a larger offensive role.

By the numbers: Howell has made 18 starts in 20 NFL games, completing 404 of 645 passes for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

What to watch: Snap distribution and performance under pressure will shape both depth-chart decisions before final roster cuts.

Sources

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NFLPreviewDallas CowboysDak PrescottJavonte Williams
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