Baltimore visits Dallas for a high-stakes preseason showdown that doubles as a homecoming for Cooper Rush, the Dallas veteran who carved out a path to a two-year Ravens deal after 2024. Rush is embracing Baltimore’s system and increased on-field responsibilities, while Dallas’ evolving QB room watches from the sideline. The game also serves as a backdrop for Brian Schottenheimer’s rise to Cowboys head coach, the contrasting styles of Rush and Lamar Jackson, and a season-ending mystery involving a contract incentive near-miss last year.

That incentive miss—Rush was within 68 snaps of a $500K bonus before Trey Lance started the finale—adds a subtle but telling wrinkle to the roster psychology. The Cowboys’ preseason slate, including a prior opener versus Indianapolis, frames the path for depth-chart decisions, while Rush’s comfort level on the turf of Jerry World suggests the Ravens are counting on timely reps to sharpen their QB room before Week 1. The narrative blends coaching moves, quarterback identity, and fantasy implications as these two AFC/NFC teams square off.

Dallas faces questions after a 31-13 preseason loss to Baltimore, with Joe Milton struggling again and the offense looking out of sync. The Cowboys’ backfield remains unsettled, and the coaching staff will weigh Milton’s ceiling against a steadier veteran like Cooper Rush as the QB competition evolves. Special teams and a wavering run game add to the fantasy calculus as Dallas searches for offensive identity this preseason.

Per the Dallas Morning News breakdown, Milton’s inaccuracy and decision-making under Ravens pressure heighten concerns about Week 1 readiness. Rush’s familiarity and Tyler Loop’s rookie kick identity in Baltimore’s win add layers to roster decisions. Fantasy managers should monitor how Dallas balances Milton’s upside with roster pragmatism, especially in QB and RB roles, as the season approaches.

In this environment, the Cowboys’ depth chart and game plan will shape Week 1 projections. Expect continued scrutiny of Milton’s progression, the RB committee’s emergence, and how Dallas utilizes its play-action and downfield attempts as the Cowboys attempt to stabilize a still-evolving offense.

Dallas’ offseason move to add Joe Milton as Dak Prescott’s young backup has become a live storyline after two rough preseason outings against the Rams and Ravens. Milton’s early throws bore the hallmarks of a project—deep attempts into double coverage, a slow processing rhythm, and a tendency to hold the ball too long—culminating in an opening-drive safety and an end-zone interception. Milton’s self-evaluation was blunt: a D to D-, with the need to tighten reads and anticipate coverage more consistently to unlock the offense’s ceiling.

Dallas’ coaches have chosen patience, stressing that preseason results aren’t the be-all for decision-making behind Prescott. Cooper Rush offered familiar steadiness for a half against Baltimore, while Milton’s development remains the focal point of camp, especially as the Cowboys try to measure receivers and running-game support. The run game and some early drops put Milton in a tougher spot, but the staff remains confident there’s upside if he cleans the footwork, improves ball placement, and plays with faster anticipation.

Fantasy managers should monitor Milton’s practice progression and any shifts in the backup pecking order. If he snaps the sluggish start trend, Milton could become a high-upside hold in deeper leagues, especially if Prescott’s workload rises and the Cowboys lean on an accelerated learning curve for Milton’s growth curve. The Dal-Staff will continue to evaluate, with Week-to-week reps likely shaping the final roster and a potential path to meaningful late-season opportunities should Prescott miss time again.

Tyler Loop drilled five field goals, from 53, 52, 42, 36 and 29 yards, fueling a 31-13 Baltimore win over Dallas and locking in the Ravens’ kicking job for the regular season after Justin Tucker’s release. Cooper Rush returned to AT&T Stadium for Baltimore, tossing a 1-yard TD and then a late interception as Dallas’ backup quarterback duties remained unsettled. Andrew Booth’s 40-yard pick-6 highlighted Dallas’s turnover scene, while LaJohntay Wester and Jonathan Mingo supplied notable Cowboys plays before injuries and MRI chatter. The Ravens outgained the Cowboys by a wide margin in the opener and showed a kicking-oriented edge that could influence fantasy rosters and real-game decision-making in August.

Dallas struggled to spark an efficient ground game while Baltimore rode a stingy run defense to a 31-13 preseason win. Cooper Rush took the week’s spotlight on his personal revenge tour, but the offense stalled behind a depleted, understudy-heavy lineup. Joe Milton’s day was rough, highlighted by a late-end interception and a safety miss, while Dak Prescott watched for vibes rather than snaps. The Ravens pressured the Cowboys’ run game and exposed the gap between Dallas’ top-line stars and their August rotations, underscoring depth concerns that fantasy managers will watch closely as rosters take shape. On defense, Dallas leaned on Parsons’ presence, yet the interior line and run-stopping remain a work in progress, especially against heavy, front-loaded fronts. In fantasy terms, think depth pieces early, with late-round upside dependent on injuries and opportunity as the season nears.

Among the notable talking points: the Cowboys’ backfield produced limited production behind Rico Dowdle and Miles Sanders, highlighting potential depth-chart pivots and opportunistic carries for Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis if the offense wants to avoid a repeat of last year’s run struggles. The defense showed flashes via Odighizuwa and Smith, but interior disruption and rotation integrity must improve if Dallas is to threaten a high-tier run-stuffing profile. With one tune-up left before Week 1, the emphasis is squarely on who seizes the lighter-volume chances and who can sustain it when the real games begin.