On Saturday night, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in their inaugural preseason game, drawing significant attention as fans anticipated how the team’s reserve players would perform. Franchise quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined for the matchup, expecting players like Joe Milton to take the helm. Milton’s pregame hype stemmed from his impressive deep passing ability demonstrated in training camp, where he garnered viral attention for his arm strength. As the game unfolded, Milton’s performance was a mix of highs and lows, ultimately concluding with concern over an injury he sustained late in the game.
Milton’s initial outing with the Cowboys showcased a promising skill set, but it soon took a turn for the worse as he faced an elbow injury. Following the game, head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided an update, assuring reporters that initial evaluations indicated the injury was likely not severe and that Milton’s condition would be monitored closely. This news came as a relief to both fans and the team, given the anticipation surrounding Milton’s role as a potential franchise quarterback, especially with Prescott’s advanced career.
Throughout the matchup, Milton threw a total of 29 passes, completing 17 for an average of merely 4.9 yards per completion. His stats included a touchdown and an interception, reflecting an inconsistent performance typical of preseason evaluations. Interestingly, his backup, Will Grier, contributed minimally, with only 14 yards from two completions. The Cowboys ultimately fell to the Rams with a score of 31-21, prompting discussions about the team’s areas for improvement as they progress through the preseason.
Joe Milton’s collegiate journey began in 2018 at Michigan, where he displayed potential but did not begin as a full-time starter until his last season with the Tennessee Volunteers in 2023. This led to a six-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he appeared in just one game yet recorded impressive stats by completing 76% of his passes. The Cowboys acquired Milton, motivated by his upside, in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, positioning him as a strong candidate to complement Dak Prescott’s experience.
The Cowboys recognize Milton’s potential as they navigate this transitional phase for the team. With Prescott aging, the onus now lies on cultivating a reliable backup like Milton, who, despite the injury setback, has shown glimpses of his capabilities. The franchise hopes Milton can recover quickly, allowing him to remain competitive in his bid to secure the backup quarterback role.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will host the Baltimore Ravens next Saturday, providing another opportunity for Milton to potentially demonstrate his abilities and solidify his position within the team. Although uncertainty remains about his injury status, the Cowboys’ management and fans are optimistic about Milton’s future contributions to the franchise. Continued tracking of his recovery will be essential as Dallas prepares for the regular season, emphasizing the importance of developing strong quarterback depth in the coming years.
