Full Breakdown
Backup Quarterback Battles Heat Up for the Cowboys and Eagles in Preseason
8/23/2026, 11:54:13 PM
Core Event
Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2025 preseason with open competitions for the No. 2 quarterback slot. In Dallas, rookie Joe Milton III and former Washington starter Sam Howell each saw action against the Arizona Cardinals, while in Philadelphia, rookie Tanner McKee and veteran Andy Dalton vied for the backup role in a loss to the New England Patriots. Neither team has announced a final depth-chart decision.
Background & Context
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer reiterated that Dak Prescott remains the starter, but the backup spot is “long from over.” The Cowboys added Milton late in the preseason after acquiring him from New England. Philadelphia’s starter Jalen Hurts is firmly entrenched, leaving the backup role as the primary preseason storyline for the Eagles, whose offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is implementing a new system.
Data & Statistics
- Dallas: Milton completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns before being replaced; Howell went 7 of 10 for 65 yards with one interception. Across two preseason games Milton was 21-of-28 for 286 yards and three touchdowns, while Howell was 15-of-22 for 159 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
- Philadelphia: McKee finished 16 of 22 for 173 yards, two touchdowns and a 125.8 passer rating. Dalton completed 6 of 16 for 64 yards in two games, with no touchdowns.
These figures illustrate Milton’s higher yardage and touchdown production and McKee’s superior completion percentage and rating compared with Dalton.
Official Statements & Responses
Schottenheimer praised Milton’s recent performances, noting “two good halves” and expressing confidence in both quarterbacks while emphasizing the need for additional training-camp days. Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni described McKee’s outing as “good things” and highlighted the team’s focus on execution and correcting mistakes. Sam Howell emphasized a “one-day-at-a-time” mindset, focusing on controlling what he can.
On-the-Ground Reports
Cowboys teammate Jaydon Blue observed that Milton arrived at camp “a totally different person” and is “locked in” and learning from Howell. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo added that he and Milton have built chemistry through offseason one-on-one work. Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen and other players noted McKee’s ability to execute despite a third-string offensive line.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official roster announcement has been made by either franchise, leaving the backup position undecided. While statistical performance favors Milton and McKee, coaches have not linked specific numbers to a final decision, creating uncertainty about the eventual depth-chart placement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Comfort level, tonight was great. I was able to go out there and showcase what I got, what we’ve been working hard towards this whole camp, so it was great,” — Joe Milton
- “I just take it one day at a time, control what I can control, and try to put my best foot forward each and every day,” — Sam Howell
- “I play when the coaches put me in,” — Tanner McKee
- “I thought today he did some good things.” — Nick Sirianni
- “We got to continue to give both of them opportunities within practice and potentially games,” — Nick Sirianni
What’s Next
The Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints in their final preseason game, after which the roster will be trimmed to 53 players. The Eagles have one preseason contest remaining before the league-wide roster deadline, after which the backup quarterback will be set for the regular season.
