Joe Milton Returns to Cowboys Practice Squad: Dallas Bolsters QB Depth for 2026

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the quarterback room just got a bit more intriguing. On Wednesday, September 3, 2026, the team announced that Joe Milton III, who was waived earlier this week after losing the backup competition to Sam Howell, has re-signed with the club on the practice squad. The move, reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, ensures that Dallas retains a promising arm as insurance behind starter Dak Prescott and Howell.

A Competitive Battle for QB2

The Cowboys' decision to keep both Milton and Howell on the initial 53-man roster over the weekend was a sign of the tight competition. However, by Monday, the team opted to waive Milton, signaling their confidence in Howell as the primary backup. Howell, who has shown resilience and growth throughout the preseason, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the role. "Obviously, extremely excited to be a part of this team and be a part of this organization," Howell said. "It's been a lot of hard work, and the work doesn't stop now. I'm committed to this team and I'm going to try to find ways to help this team win, and that's my job, and I'm excited to be here for sure."

Milton, who went unclaimed on waivers, now returns to Dallas on the practice squad, a move that gives the Cowboys a high-upside developmental quarterback without occupying a valuable roster spot. His raw athleticism and powerful arm were on display during the preseason, and he remains a project with significant potential. As highlighted on Vulius, this depth move could pay dividends if the Cowboys need an emergency quarterback or if they choose to develop Milton for a future role.

Defensive Growth and New Additions

Beyond the quarterback situation, the Cowboys have seen notable changes on the defensive side. Quinnen Williams, entering his second season with the team, has been vocal about the transformation under the new coaching staff. "The growth, it's like night and day," Williams said. "Starting in OTAs, and starting the first week of training camp, getting a chance to go against one of the best offenses in battle every single day has helped us tremendously. The mindset coming from the coaches, top down to the players and to the leadership, has been drastically changed. It's just fun, man."

In another strategic move, Dallas added running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. His former coach, Andy Reid, offered high praise for the young back, noting his pass protection and decisive running style. "I like the pass protection, I like the way he's not going to bounce anything," Reid told reporters. "He sees (the hole), he lowers it, and he hits it in the run game, and I think that's important. And pass routes are pretty good. He's played it. He's got experience." Demercado adds depth to a backfield that will look to complement the passing attack.

Roster Surprises and Key Matchups

One of the more heartwarming stories from roster cutdown day involved wide receiver Camden Brown, who made the 53-man roster but learned of the news through social media. While it was a stressful way to find out, Brown's friends and family quickly alerted him, and he now has the opportunity to contribute to the Cowboys' offense. The team's focus on notifying players who were cut likely contributed to the delayed communication, but Brown's persistence and preseason performance earned him a spot.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a challenging schedule to open the 2026 season. After traveling to face the New York Giants in Week 1, they return home to host the Washington Commanders. With John Harbaugh now at the helm for the Giants, Dallas cannot afford to overlook any opponent. As the Vulius Sports team analyzes, these early divisional games could set the tone for the entire season. The Cowboys will need to be sharp on both sides of the ball to avoid an early 0-2 start.