Cowboys Coach Gets Honest on Dak Prescott's Backup Situation
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After two preseason games, the Dallas Cowboys' situation behind Dak Prescott is concerning.
Joe Milton, an offseason trade acquisition from the New England Patriots, was expected to turn heads at training camp and throughout the preseason in his first run with the Cowboys. So far, the young veteran has shown plenty of struggles.
The good news for Dallas is that Milton's head coach has not lost faith in him. Following Saturday night's loss against the Baltimore Ravens, Brian Schottenheimer addressed the state of the backup quarterback position after seeing the first two preseason games play out.
"I wouldn't say I'm concerned," Schottenheimer told the media, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. "We didn't get in a rhythm. ... It wasn't just Joe."
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on QB Joe Milton: 'I wouldn't say I'm concerned. We didn't get in a rhythm. … It wasn't just Joe.'
On the backup QB job: 'I feel like I don't have to decide anything today.'
On having a backup QB they can trust: 'I think we have to believe… pic.twitter.com/wzJR4AUAJI — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 17, 2025
Many believed that Milton would be the runaway candidate to back up Dak Prescott throughout the season. So far, it's hard to make the assumption that Milton is the surefire pick.
Last week, Milton completed 17 of his 29 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Los Angeles Rams. He ended up exiting the game early with a minor setback. Fortunately, Milton wasn't dealing with anything concerning enough to threaten his second week's availability.
Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws during the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas
Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws during the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Arlington, TexasMilton got the start against the Ravens on Saturday, and the game didn't go as planned. The veteran quarterback completed nine of his 18 pass attempts. He totaled 122 yards while throwing an interception.
"I feel like I don't have to decide anything today," Schottenheimer said, regarding the backup position.
As underwhelming as Milton has been, Will Grier's limited action hasn't made a case to force Milton out of the picture. Against the Ravens, Grier threw for 33 yards, completing just one of his five attempts. So far, neither player has stood out enough to become Prescott's guaranteed No. 2.
Earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys were praised for their decision to add Milton in a trade with the Patriots. That deal isn't looking like the slam dunk it seemed on paper just yet.
Read More: Cowboys Make Key QB Decision for Upcoming Preseason Clash
The Cowboys will head into the final week of the preseason holding a 0-2 record. After a 31-13 loss, they haven't felt great about what they've put on display so far. Next Friday's outing against the Atlanta Falcons will give the Cowboys one more chance to get it together before they pay a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.
For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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