Full Breakdown
Cowboys-Saints Preseason Showdown Highlights Backup QB Battle and Final Roster Decisions
8/29/2026, 11:11:40 AM
Core Event: Saints Edge Cowboys 27-24 in Final Preseason Contest
On Friday, August 28, the Dallas Cowboys hosted the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Saints secured a 27-24 victory, erasing a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Both teams used the game to make final assessments of their backup quarterback candidates—Joe Milton and Sam Howell for Dallas, and Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler for New Orleans.
Background & Context: Shortened Preseason and Joint-Practice Fallout
The NFL’s reduced three-game preseason schedule this year leaves only a single cut-down day to trim rosters to 53 players, heightening the importance of late-season evaluations. Ten days earlier, the Cowboys and Saints held a joint practice that devolved into a “Royal Rumble”-style scrimmage, resulting in $500,000 fines for each club. The heightened rivalry set a charged tone for the August 28 matchup.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Quarterbacks – Joe Milton (Dallas) completed 8 of 15 passes for 92 yards in the first half before being replaced by Sam Howell, who finished 12 of 18 for 155 yards, two fourth-quarter TD passes and a successful two-point conversion run. Zach Wilson (New Orleans) went 9 of 12 for 93 yards, while Spencer Rattler was 8 of 10 for 79 yards.
- Scoring – The Saints opened with a 38-yard field goal by veteran Daniel Carlson, followed by a Barion Brown 7-yard rushing TD. Dallas responded with three field goals (49, 51, 58 yards) by Brandon Aubrey, missing a 57-yard attempt that would have narrowed the gap to one point.
- Kicking – New Orleans evaluated three kickers in practice: Daniel Carlson (38-yard FG), Charlie Smyth (extra point, two touchbacks) and Tanner Brown (extra point, two kickoffs). Dallas relied on Aubrey’s long-range accuracy.
- Defensive Highlights – Saints cornerback Isaac Yiadom received an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty after a brief end-zone scuffle following Howell’s two-point run.
Official Statements & Responses
- Saints offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer described the quarterback competition as “neck and neck,” noting the mutual encouragement between Milton and Howell.
- Saints coach Dennis Allen confirmed the signing of veteran kicker Daniel Carlson after the preseason, indicating the team’s decision will be finalized when rosters are trimmed to 53 players on Sunday.
Injuries and Roster Implications
Dallas linebacker Marist Liufau suffered a left forearm fracture in the first half, a injury that could place him on injured reserve before the regular season begins. The outcome of the quarterback duel remains uncertain; Milton’s earlier efficiency (21-of-28 for 286 yards, three TDs, no interceptions) may give him an edge, but Howell’s late-quarter heroics keep the competition open.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Both these guys are capable of playing and being really successful quarterbacks,” — Kellen Moore
What’s Next
Both clubs open the regular season on the road in early September. The Saints travel to Detroit, while the Cowboys face NFC East rival New York Giants in a prime-time kickoff. Roster decisions, including the final kicker selection and the backup quarterback hierarchy, will be confirmed when teams reduce their squads to 53 players later this week.
