{
  "id": 4715049,
  "title": "Cowboys Make Surprising QB Move Amid Continued Roster Shakeup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/cowboys-make-surprising-qb-move-amid-continued-roster-shakeup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T21:01:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/cowboys-make-surprising-qb-move-amid-continued-roster-shakeup-12388254"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Dallas Cowboys have made a surprising move in the quarterback position amid their ongoing roster reshuffling. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the team has released Joe Milton III and is designating Sam Howell as the backup to Dak Prescott. Milton, who previously served as Prescott's backup during the 2025 preseason, had an impressive showing, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Cowboys commended Milton's progress in understanding the offense and his improved accuracy. Interestingly, Milton was initially included on the team's 53-man roster. Just an hour before his release, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer stated that the QB competition was still neck-and-neck, expressing that the competition was incredibly intense and fluid. However, the Cowboys needed an extra roster spot after running back Emari Demercado was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. Milton is expected to remain in Dallas if he clears waivers, but he will join the practice squad instead of the active roster. Despite limited playing time in the 2025-26 season, Milton's performance in the preseason suggests the Cowboys are enthusiastic about his potential, recalling his college days with the Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers, where he threw for 5,353 total passing yards.",
  "summary": "The Dallas Cowboys seem to have settled their QB competition just an hour after their head coach called it \"neck-and-neck.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Dallas Cowboys release Joe Milton III.",
    "Designate Sam Howell as backup QB.",
    "Milton expected to remain in Dallas if clears waivers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}