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Cowboys Announce Starting Quarterback For Second Preseason Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The second preseason game has become the "dress rehearsal game" of NFL training camp ever since the preseason was reduced to three games. So who will be under center for the Dallas Cowboys this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens?

On Thursday, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that backup quarterback Joe Milton will get the nod against Baltimore. Milton got the start and played the majority of snaps for the Cowboys in last week's game against the Rams.

Against the Rams, Milton completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Quarterback Will Grier, who is heading into his fourth year with the team (split between two stints) will presumably be his understudy once again.

Grier only threw the ball three times in their 31-21 loss to the Rams.

#Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer tells reporters that Joe Milton will start Saturday in the preseason game against the #Ravens.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2025

The implications

Milton played one game for the New England Patriots last season, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. His strong play in just one game convinced the Cowboys to trade for him in the ensuing offseason.

Having invested draft capital in Milton while declining to draft one or pick any others up in free agency, it seems clear that Milton is in line to be the primary backup in Dallas this season. The bigger question is whether the team will keep developing Milton to the point that he can potentially be a viable starter if Dak Prescott ever gets hurt again.

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys helmet at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Injury concerns

Dak has suffered several season-ending injuries over the last five seasons. And at 32 years of age, any future injuries are going to heal slower, not faster.

As a result, while the preseason snaps may not mean much to Cowboys fans from a win-loss standpoint, they could be crucial in determining whether Milton is worth the time and effort.

2025

It's hard to tell what the expectations really are for the Cowboys in 2025. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, but it's widely believed that Schottenheimer is going to struggle mightily.

Fans are obviously desperate to see their team get back to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 30 years and have stopped giving owner Jerry Jones any benefit of the doubt.

Simply put, the Cowboys need a huge season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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