ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys closed out the preseason Friday night with a 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints, but Sam Howell’s second-half performance added another layer to an already intriguing competition for the team’s backup quarterback job.
Howell took over in the second half and provided a spark for Dallas, completing 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. His performance helped the Cowboys erase an early deficit and put themselves in position to win the preseason finale.
Wide receiver Jordan Hudson was a major part of that comeback. Hudson finished with four receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, giving the Cowboys a big-play threat as the offense found its rhythm after halftime.
Joe Milton also saw significant action, finishing 8 of 15 passing for 92 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception.
The Cowboys’ comeback ultimately fell short when New Orleans connected on a 53-yard game-winning field goal, handing Dallas a 27-24 defeat.
Still, much of the postgame attention centered on the quarterback competition between Milton and Howell.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked afterward about the battle for the No. 2 quarterback position. Schottenheimer said he likes both players and indicated the competition remains ongoing as the Cowboys prepare to reduce their roster to 53 players.
Howell’s numbers in the second half give the coaching staff plenty to consider. His two touchdown passes and efficient passing helped turn what had been a difficult night offensively into a competitive finish.
Milton, meanwhile, has had his own opportunities throughout the preseason and remains part of the evaluation.
With roster cuts beginning Sunday, Dallas now faces a series of decisions that will shape the final roster heading into the regular season. The backup quarterback position is among the most closely watched, and Friday’s performances did little to make the decision easier.
The Cowboys finish the preseason 2-1 and now shift their focus to final roster decisions before the regular season begins.
