Brian Schottenheimer Says Joe Milton III’s Development ‘Doesn’t Stop’

FRISCO, Texas — Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he does not look at the Dallas Cowboys roster in terms of active players and practice squad players, and that Joe Milton III‘s development will not stop now that he is on it.

Sam Howell will not take every backup rep, Schottenheimer said. Dallas will look for work to give Milton.

Schottenheimer reached for a story from his first NFL job to explain how it gets done.

“When I was QC in Kansas City, starter was Elvis Grbac. Rich Gannon was the backup. And Pat Barnes was the third string quarterback,” Schottenheimer said. “And Rich was probably, I’m guessing, let’s say eight years, seven or eight. He’s clearly a vested guy. And he would let Pat take all the scout team, but he wanted the third down blitz work because that was the closest you could get to game action.”

“So Thursday afternoon, third down blitzes, Rich Gannon always like, nope, hey Pat, I got it,” Schottenheimer continued. “And so there’s ways to do that. We’re going to get both guys work, make sure Sam gets what he needs to feel prepared, but the development doesn’t stop.”

Brian Schottenheimer On The Dallas Cowboys’ Roster Divide

Practice squad players are on the football team, Schottenheimer said, and game day is where the distinction lives.

“I think I said to you guys, I don’t look at this roster anymore in terms of active and practice squad. We’re a family,” Schottenheimer explained. “Certainly, game day, you have to make decisions and stuff. But I don’t look at any of these guys and be, oh, he’s a practice squad. They’re part of our football team. They’re part of our family. And so I think that’s important to impress on them as well.”

Where Joe Milton Sits Now

Dallas waived Milton on Monday after claiming running back Emari Demercado, named Howell the backup, and re-signed Milton to the practice squad Wednesday after he cleared waivers.

Milton went 29-of-43 for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions in three preseason games, adding 12 carries for 14 yards and a rushing touchdown. He was Dallas’ QB2 last season, appearing in four games and going 15-of-24 for 183 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.

Schottenheimer was an offensive quality control assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998, working under his father, Marty Schottenheimer. He had spent 1997 as an offensive assistant with the St. Louis Rams under Dick Vermeil.

The Cowboys open the regular season Sept. 13 at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants. Kickoff is 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.