Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer hasn't determined winner of QB2 battle, but answer looks clear

Howell looked solid in the 17-7 win over the Seahawks, completing 8-of-12 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. He didn't look bad in a 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, either, completing 7-of-10 passes for 65 yards but tossing one interception. 

Milton has still been the much more impressive QB. In two preseason games, he has completed 21-of-28 passes for 286 yards and three TDs, including a 53-yarder to wide receiver Jonathan Mingo in the preseason contest against Arizona.

Milton's arm strength has never been a question. But now he's pairing that with improved touch, making him a much more polished QB.

"Arm strength is cool," Schottenheimer said. "But go to the fair and win a teddy bear." 

Luckily for the Cowboys, Milton looks capable of winning teddy bears and games if he needed to fill in for starting QB Dak Prescott, who hasn't been injury-free over the past four seasons. He missed five games in 2022 due to a fractured right thumb and suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9 in 2024. 

The Cowboys play their final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Friday (8 p.m. ET). Dallas hasn't yet named a starter for that matchup. It probably won't be Prescott, as Schottenheimer has indicated he plans to rest the starters. 

Howell will have one more chance to make his case against New Orleans, but it may not be strong enough for him to unseat Milton as QB2. He seems to have separated himself in the position battle, despite Schottenheimer and other coaches not being ready to say so.