Cowboys Re-Sign Joe Milton to Practice Squad After Waiver Process
Quarterback Joe Milton cleared waivers and signed with the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, keeping him with the team after his release. The Cowboys chose Sam Howell as the backup to Dak Prescott, but coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed strong interest in retaining Milton. Milton had been on the initial 53-man roster before being waived to make room for a running back claim.
Milton's path back to Dallas was not guaranteed, as he first had to clear the waiver wire before the team could approach him about a practice squad role. The Cowboys had initially kept three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, but the successful waiver claim of running back Emari Demercado from Kansas City forced a roster crunch that led to Milton's release.
The quarterback competition between Milton and Howell was closely contested throughout the preseason, with both posting nearly identical completion percentages and touchdown totals. Howell ultimately won the QB2 job based on his overall execution of the offense, though coach Brian Schottenheimer called the decision "very, very hard." Milton's practice squad placement keeps him in Dallas's system for potential future development.
This roster move may have limited direct impact on the broader public, but it reflects the increasingly complex roster management decisions NFL teams face under salary cap constraints. Cowboys fans following the quarterback room could see this as a signal about the team's long-term planning at the position, while Milton's willingness to accept a practice squad role may influence how other young quarterbacks view their career options when competing for backup spots.