Dallas Cowboys Still Evaluating Backup QB Behind Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys are taking their time deciding who will be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott in 2025.

Joe Milton III took the majority of snaps in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, playing 59 snaps and completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception before leaving with an elbow bruise. Will Grier stepped in for the final seven snaps.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer explained the reasoning behind giving Milton most of the reps: the coaching staff is still learning about the young quarterback.

“Our plan all along has been to find out about Joe Milton,” Schottenheimer said, via the team’s official website. “Under no circumstance am I panicked or worried about Joe Milton. He played really well in the second half, did some really good things, calmed down, and figured it out.”

Having been on the Cowboys’ staff for three seasons before taking over as head coach this offseason, Schottenheimer stressed that he’s more familiar with Prescott and Grier and is focused on discovering Milton’s strengths.

“I need to learn Joe as the play-caller,” Schottenheimer added. “I don’t need to learn Dak. I don’t feel like I need to learn Will. So it’s more about me figuring out Joe. I’m not ready to say who the backup QB is right now because I don’t have to make that decision yet.”

Milton’s first start for Dallas started rough with missed throws and forced passes, but he showed promise moving outside the pocket, rushing five times for 22 yards. Most of his production came against second-string defenders, many of whom might not make the Rams’ final roster.

Backing up Prescott is a high-pressure role. The Pro Bowler has missed 26 games over the past five seasons and only completed one full season during that span. The backup will almost certainly see meaningful playing time in 2025.

Milton showed potential last season when he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown in his rookie start against Buffalo. Grier, 30, has two NFL starts from his time with Carolina in 2019.

The Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, August 16, in their second preseason game.