With Dak Prescott steering the ship, the Dallas Cowboys have their quarterback position locked down for the foreseeable future. However, the drama unfolds in the backup quarterback battle, where Joe Milton and Sam Howell are vying for the crucial role of Prescott's understudy.
Why is this backup battle so pivotal? Well, if Prescott were to miss any significant time, it could spell disaster for the Cowboys' season unless they have a capable backup ready to step up. Recent history has shown us that concerns about Prescott's health aren't unfounded, especially as we head into 2026.
For those who lean towards superstition, there’s a pattern that might raise eyebrows: Prescott seems to have a tough time in even-numbered years. In 2020, he missed 12 games due to injury, five in 2022, and nine in 2024. Odd-numbered years have been kinder, with Prescott missing just one game in 2021.
Despite Prescott's absence for five games in 2022, Dallas managed to secure a playoff spot. However, they fell short in both 2020 and 2024. The Cowboys did make the playoffs in 2021 and 2023, but missed out again in 2025.
Prescott recently dealt with some knee soreness during mandatory minicamp, which was expected to limit his participation. However, the Cowboys’ leader was able to participate fully, putting those concerns to rest.
Clarence Hill of DLLS Cowboys reported that fluid was the culprit behind Prescott's knee issue, but both Hill and head coach Brian Schottenheimer downplayed the severity. “Nothing we’re concerned about,” Schottenheimer stated.
“We’re just going to be smart in these last couple of days.”
As for the backup battle, it's a bit of a mystery right now. During OTAs and minicamp, Milton and Howell split reps, leaving little clarity on who might have the edge.
The Cowboys' decision to sign Howell earlier this offseason hints that Milton might not have impressed them enough. Milton has shown promise, completing 69.8% of his NFL passes, though he's only thrown 53 passes in five games without a start.
Howell, on the other hand, brings more experience to the table with 18 career starts, completing 62.6% of his 645 attempts, and throwing 22 touchdowns against 23 interceptions.
The fog surrounding this competition should begin to lift as training camp kicks off next month, where Milton and Howell will continue their duel to secure the all-important backup quarterback role.
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