Cowboys' backup QB battle 'neck and neck' as cutdown decisions loom
Brian Schottenheimer and Jerry Jones both framed the Joe Milton-Sam Howell competition as too close to call after the preseason finale, with the staff set to make tough calls this weekend.
Dallas still doesn't have its No. 2 quarterback settled. Brian Schottenheimer said the competition between Joe Milton and Sam Howell is "neck and neck" after the preseason finale, and Clarence Hill Jr. reported the coach framing it as a true battle with "tough decisions coming up."
Clarence Hill Jr. (@clarencehilljr): Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer On the quarterback situation: “I mean, it's neck and neck and love both those guys. They're both great competitors. What I love about them both is both guys want to win the spot.
Jerry Jones added his own wrinkle, suggesting the team "may just split the difference and have two backup quarterbacks" — a real possibility given how both played. Milton flashed early in the preseason but was less consistent against the Saints, while Howell has been the steady, mistake-free veteran presence; Schottenheimer said the deciding factor is often not the great plays but avoiding the bad ones.
The bigger roster puzzle is on the line. Todd Archer noted Marist Liufau is expected to land on IR/designated to return after fracturing his left forearm — surgery as early as Monday — which trickles down to the edge and linebacker numbers. Schottenheimer also praised Tyler Guyton for the best camp he's seen from the tackle, saying Guyton's injury-free, confident summer means there's no reason to slide Tyler Smith over to left tackle.