The Cowboys’ 31-13 loss to Baltimore in the preseason opener highlighted the big questions Dallas must answer behind Dak Prescott. Joe Milton III showed flashes and flaws in his bid to become the backup, finishing the half with 9 of 18 for 122 yards and an early safety miscue, underscoring the challenge to seize the role from Will Grier. Milton’s 49-yard connection to Jonathan Mingo offered a tantalizing glimpse of upside, while Grier’s early start produced a 33-yard completion to Princeton Fant on his first throw. The evening also underscored depth-starved spots—undrafted rookies Zion Childress and Kemon Hall pushed for nickel duties, and Damone Clark and James Houston flashed on defense in fast, unsettled snaps. Dallas noodled through early roster decisions, with Dak Prescott rested and the 53-man plan still taking shape as the team prepares for Week 1 questions and potential backups in the real games to come.

Joe Milton III’s standing as Dallas’ backup QB is still being written in the preseason, with the coaching staff treating it as a learning process rather than a prove-it competition. Milton’s own nickname evolution from Bazooka Joe to a self-described rocket mirrors the challenge: harnessing a cannon arm while settling into NFL game pace. The plan is to keep evaluating Milton in real-game contexts, not just practice tapes, as the Cowboys weigh their depth behind Dak Prescott.

Milton flashed both the upside and the rough edges in a 31-21 loss to the Rams, finishing 17-of-29 for 143 yards with a TD and an INT. He opened with aggressive air-throws that exposed timing gaps, then settled into more controlled moments in the second half. Schottenheimer emphasized help for Milton—calm, composure, and a measured approach—while the team tracks Will Grier’s role and the ongoing path to determine the true QB2.

Behind Milton, the Cowboys have Will Grier, who has flashed enough to keep a path open for a smoother transition, and a developing Trey Lance case study on the horizon. Milton’s hand injury and an elbow bruise added context to the backup narrative, reminding Dallas that the position is as much about growth as it is about readiness. The focus remains on understanding Milton’s ceiling and how the staff can best support him as the unknowns in the quarterback room unfold.

Rams and Cowboys will clash in a high-stakes preseason tune-up where the star starters sit. Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott will be sidelined, paving the way for Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett and the Rams, plus Joe Milton III and Will Grier for Dallas to run the offense. With backups rotating, the game becomes a chess match of depth over stars, and the betting angle hinges on Rams +1.5 and the under 33.5. The preview leans Rams because Prescott’s absence magnifies Dallas’ quarterback uncertainty, while the Rams’ backup duo brings a steadier, if unproven, floor.

Garoppolo and Bennett lead Los Angeles’ attack, with Jordan Whittington expected to seize meaningful snaps at receiver as depth charts firm up on offense. Dallas leans on Milton and Grier, who’ll be leaned on to move the chains in limited reps. The depth on defense—especially for the Rams—helps support a low-scoring affair. Final score projection: Rams 16, Cowboys 9, with the Rams covering and the under hitting as a defensively driven, run-heavy night unfolds.

For fantasy aficionados, this game is about late-snap opportunities and backup-rotation value. Monitor Rams depth at receiver and the backfield to identify any sleeper targets who capitalize on extended looks. Dallas’ QB room, while unproven in this setting, could still nudge a few short-yardage scores, but upside remains capped by the limited playing time and the absence of Prescott.

The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for training camp with Dak Prescott leading the charge, alongside Joe Milton and Will Grier in the quarterback room. This setup raises expectations, especially with Prescott's track record as a franchise quarterback and Grier's potential to step up. Recent discussions among analysts suggest the possibility of the Cowboys adding a former Pro Bowl quarterback, which could shake up their roster dynamics. The prospects of such an acquisition could heavily influence the team's offensive strategy and impact their chances of a successful season.

The Dallas Cowboys are poised for a return to playoff contention in the 2025 NFL season after a disappointing 2024 campaign. With a solid roster and aspirations of reclaiming their previous success, the Cowboys are especially focused on the health of quarterback Dak Prescott, who has faced injury challenges in the past. In his absence, Will Grier is expected to step up as the backup, succeeding Cooper Rush, who has been a reliable presence in previous years.

While Grier has limited NFL experience, the organization is banking on his knowledge of the system and readiness to provide stability when needed. As they transition into a new season, the Cowboys are looking for Grier to fill a crucial role and help the team navigate the challenges of a long football season.