Joe Milton III showed the expected rookie rough edges in the first Cowboys test under Brian Schottenheimer, but the progress was tangible: he settled, read defenses, and trusted what was given. Dallas is counting on reps to shrink the learning curve, particularly against Baltimore, to speed up decision-making and offensive rhythm. George Pickens popped in drills with contested catches, hinting at an outside pairing that could unlock more options for CeeDee Lamb. Javonte Williams flashed top-end burst, suggesting the Cowboys’ backfield could support Milton as he grows into the system. Defensive progress was visible too, with ballhawking safeties and pressure from multiple angles, though injuries and lineup tinkering remain a factor. The overarching takeaway: more reps and cleaner reads are the path to a quicker floor for Milton and a steadier Cowboys offense moving into AT&T Stadium’s next preseason date.

Injury updates and camp notes kept pace with on-field progress, underscoring the depth-testing reality Dallas faces. Milton’s growth curve remains the central storyline for fantasy leagues: stash only in deeper formats for now, but monitor how reps translate in Week 1 preparation. Dallas’s targets— Lamb, Ferguson, and Pickens—could become the backbone of Milton’s early ceiling, while running lanes from Williams would offer a safety net as the quarterback learns the system. The next test versus the Ravens will be a clearer read on which pieces are ready to contribute in September, and how Milton’s confidence translates into decisive throws in a real game script.