Joe Milton Eyed for Cowboys' Practice Squad After Being Waived, Stephen Jones Says

Although the Dallas Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton, both COO/co-owner Stephen Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed significant interest in having the signal-caller back in the mix via the practice squad.

Jones made his remarks on the DLLS Cowboys podcast, and Schottenheimer revealed his feelings to reporters during his Tuesday press conference.

Milton initially made the 53-man roster after cuts were announced on Sunday. However, Dallas changed course after claiming running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

Initially, the Cowboys had three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster in starter Dak Prescott, Milton and Sam Howell. Initially, it was unclear who the Cowboys would choose to be Prescott's backup.

Schottenheimer had this to say on the matter Monday, per ESPN's Todd Archer , after the Demercado signing became official (and before Milton was let go).

"We're still piecing the puzzle together, and that's where this thing is very fluid," Schottenheimer said.

However, the Cowboys chose Howell as their QB2, making a switch from 2025, when Milton was Prescott's backup. Schottenheimer explained why.

"I think when we looked at the whole body of work, we just felt like Sam had done a little bit more in terms of executing the offense in certain areas," Schottenheimer told reporters on Tuesday, per DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer Tommy Yarrish .

"To have Joe Milton back would be incredible, we'll see what happens with the claims, and then see what he wants to do. We've shown that we know how to develop him. I think him being in this system for another year would be amazing, but I also know that he should have choices. And so, we'll see what happens, but in terms of wanting [Milton] back, absolutely."

Schottenheimer also said it was a "very, very hard decision" en route to choosing Howell, who signed a one-year deal with Dallas this offseason.

Milton did quite well this preseason, completing 29-of-43 passes (67.4 percent) for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Howell impressed as well, going 27-of-40 (67.5 percent) for 314 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Ultimately, Howell won the battle, but the Cowboys want him back on the practice squad. They'll get that chance, as Milton went unclaimed on waivers.

Dallas opens the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the New York Giants.