The Cowboys have stirred the pot in their quarterback room by bringing in veteran Sam Howell and parting ways with Will Grier. While some speculate this move reflects doubts about Joe Milton III’s progress, let’s consider another angle. With Dak Prescott’s injury history since 2020, could this be Dallas bracing for another potential absence of their QB1?
Howell might not boast extensive regular-season experience, but he certainly brings more to the table than Grier and Milton. Howell started a game as a rookie for Washington in 2022 and then took the reins for all 17 games the following year.
In contrast, Grier’s two starts came back in 2019 with Carolina, and he hasn’t seen regular-season action since. Milton, meanwhile, has yet to start a game, with only five partial appearances for the Patriots and Cowboys.
Between them, Grier and Milton have just 105 career passing attempts, many in low-pressure situations. Howell, on the other hand, has 645 attempts, mostly in competitive scenarios. Sure, his 77.5 career passer rating might not impress, but when it comes to a backup QB, it’s often about having someone who knows the game’s pace and can step up when needed.
The Cowboys had that reliability with Cooper Rush, Prescott’s former backup. Rush wasn’t flashy, and there was never talk of him being a future starter.
Yet, when called upon, he delivered. His 9-5 record as a starter from 2021-2024, including a pivotal 4-1 run in 2022, kept the Cowboys in the playoff hunt.
Rush’s tenure is a reminder of Prescott’s injury woes. After a spotless first four seasons, Prescott’s injury saga began with a major leg injury in 2020.
A calf strain in 2021 cost him a game, where Rush stepped in to secure a comeback win over the Vikings. In 2022, a thumb injury sidelined Prescott for five games.
Then, a severe hamstring tear in 2024 ruled him out for the last nine games.
This pattern of injuries is hard to ignore. In 2020, Prescott missed 11 games, just one in 2021, five in 2022, played a full season in 2023, missed nine in 2024, and was healthy throughout 2025. If this every-other-year trend continues into 2026, the Cowboys might be wise to prepare.
Fortunately, none of Prescott’s injuries appear chronic. Unlike concerns for players like DaRon Bland’s foot or DeMarvion Overshown’s knee, Prescott’s issues don’t seem to signal ongoing trouble.
Enter Sam Howell. His arrival in Dallas might be influenced by Prescott’s injury pattern.
Beyond having more experience than Milton or Grier, Howell knows the NFC East well after stints with Washington and the Eagles. While he might not provide insider secrets, his familiarity with divisional foes is valuable.
This signing isn’t necessarily a knock on Joe Milton III. The Cowboys likely still see potential in Milton’s development.
He’s only in his third season, with just two in Dallas. But Howell’s presence is significant, possibly preparing for more than just training camp competition.
If Prescott’s injury trend reappears in 2026, Howell might be the steady hand Dallas needs to stay competitive.