Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Dak Prescott (4) and Sam Howell (16) watch as Joe Milton III (10) shoots a pass down the field during an open training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Aug. 25, 2026. Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said several times recently that the Cowboys’ roster is better on paper than it was a year ago. That also led to some tough decisions, as we saw during Sunday’s drawdown day. The Cowboys established their starting roster with some interesting decisions. It’s important to note that NFL rosters are likely to change. All teams must submit their waiver requests by noon Central Time on Monday. If a team receives a claimed player, then that player must be added to the team’s 53-man roster. Related: See Cowboys’ full 53-man roster after cuts: Camden Brown makes it, Sam Williams out Article continues below this ad. Let’s look at the Cowboys’ initial 53-man roster: Quarterback (3) Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III, Sam Howell We thought the race between Milton and Howell would come down to the wire. In fact, the two played so well that the Cowboys decided to keep both of them on the starting roster. It will be interesting to see which player gets the nod as the team’s backup quarterback on game day. Milton’s ability to make sneaky quarterback moves like Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia could give him an advantage. Article continues below this advertisement. Running Back (3) Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Hunter Luepke Notable cuts: Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda Giving up Blue might have been the biggest surprise of the day. The reasoning probably goes back to special teams. Blue did not develop there as the Cowboys expected. By going with a lightweight running back, the Cowboys could turn to players who could help on special teams. It will be interesting to see if they bring Blue and Mafah back to the practice squad. Wide Receiver (6) CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Camden BrownArticle continues below this adNotable Cuts: Anthony Smith, Márquez Valdés-Scantling The Cowboys have been willing to let receivers hit the waiver wire just to bring them back sooner. Brown proved too good to be worth the risk. Brown dazzled in the preseason, going from a long shot to being part of the team’s roster. He did it ahead of several veterans and seventh-round pick Anthony Smith. Mingo also earned a spot with some big catches in the preseason and a standout, touchdown-saving special teams tackle that caught the coaching staff’s attention against Seattle. Related: Difficulty of Cowboys’ roster cuts means they’re back in contention in 2026 Tight end (3) Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker Article continues below this ad Notable cuts: Michael Trigg, DJ Rogers The Cowboys decided not to have their highest-paid undrafted free agent on the starting roster, contradicting a common theme they’ve had in the past. They hope Trigg can clear waivers and return to the practice squad, where he can continue his development with tight ends coach Lunda Wells. Offensive line (9) Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, TJ Bass, Drew Shelton, Ajani Cornelius, Broderick Jones Notable cuts: Trevor Keegan, Nick Leverett Article continues below this ad The Cowboys traded Nate Thomas, a contender for the starting left tackle job at the point, to the Houston Texans for a 2027 seventh-round pick on Sunday. The trade for Broderick Jones on Saturday paved the way for Thomas’ departure. The Cowboys should feel good about their top six offensive linemen. After that, this is a group with some questions. The Cowboys will likely want Keegan and Leverett on the practice squad for center depth. Interior Defensive Line (5) Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton, Jonathan Bullard Notable Cuts: Jay Toia, Tommy Dunn, DJ Withers This was the easiest group to predict. The only question was whether Toia’s late preseason appearance or Dunn’s flashy plays would be enough to earn a roster spot. We’ll see how many they can bring to the practice squad. Article continues below this advertisement. Outside Linebacker/Edge (6) Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, Von Miller, James Houston, Tyrus Wheat. Notable cuts: Sam Williams, Isaiah Land. Injured reserve with designation to return: Marist Liufau. The signing of Miller made things very competitive for the back end of this roster. If Liufau doesn’t get hurt in the preseason finale, will Wheat be on this team? Maybe still. Wheat is another player who brings consistent special teams ability. The Cowboys parted ways with Williams, who signed a $2 million guaranteed contract this offseason to return to the Cowboys. Inside linebacker (4) DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, Shemar JamesNotable cuts: Justin Barron, Curtis Robinson The Cowboys initially went light at linebacker. They decided to cut both Robinson and Barron, who spent most of last year on the practice squad. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Barron return to the team’s practice squad. Are the Cowboys done here? We’ll see, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they eventually added this room. Related: Cowboys Cut Tracker: Dallas Makes Intriguing Moves By Waiving Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah Secondary (11) DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., Caleb Downs, Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, PJ Locke, Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark, Caelen Carson, Ameer Speed Notable Cuts: Derion Kendrick, Julius Wood, Reddy StewardInjured reserve with designation to return: Devin Moore The Cowboys want to be stronger on special teams. That’s part of the reason they decided to bring back both Bell and Clark initially. With Moore on injured reserve, don’t rule out a waiver claim or signing a veteran outside corner to bolster this spot. Special Teams (3) Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg There was never a question here. The Cowboys bring back one of the best special teams trios in the league.
