Deneath the bright Oxnard lights, Dak Prescott showed up in full uniform for the Cowboys’ preseason date with the Ravens, signaling a loud message about the team’s QB depth. Milton started, but the backup ledger remains unsettled as Dallas weighs Milton’s readiness to be Prescott’s immediate stand-in. The night underscored questions about the Cowboys’ depth chart and whether a reliable Week 1-ready No. 2 exists yet.

Dallas’ offense produced 176 yards, no touchdowns, a turnover and a safety in a 31-13 loss where third-down conversion sputtered (2-for-11) and the unit managed seven first downs on 47 plays. Milton went 9 of 18 for 122 yards with an interception and two sacks, while Will Grier posted a higher quarterback rating (54.6) in relief, though he completed only one pass. The Ravens leaned on run-heavy drives, while Dallas’ rhythm looked off in the first half, unlike the Rams game the prior week where the plan emphasized run-first ball.

Milton’s night included a 49-yard sideline connection to Jonathan Mingo and a costly first-possession safety after an illegal block wiped Dallas’ starting field position. The performance prompted coach Brian Schottenheimer to reiterate calm, stressing the need for better run game execution and ball security. The looming question: can Milton win a game if Prescott misses time, or is the Cowboys’ QB door still ajar? With two preseason games down and one remaining, the Milton-versus-Milton-in-waiting storyline remains the hottest topic for Dallas’ fantasy and betting perspectives.