NBC 5 sits down with Cowboys Sam Howell amid backup QB battle with Joe Milton

Summary by The Dallas Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Newy Scruggs and Charles Nichelson, NBC5 DFW · August 24, 2026 · 5 min read

The Dallas Cowboys’ biggest active position battle on offense might be backup quarterback. With all 11 starters returning from 2025 and receiving depth better than ever, the biggest questions remaining might be Sam Howell or Joe Milton. Howell has thrown a touchdown and an interception across two...

Why this matters in The Dallas

As the Cowboys' backup quarterback battle unfolds, Dallas fans are watching with interest, knowing that a strong backup can be crucial in a long NFL season. With the team's history of injuries at the quarterback position, having a reliable second-string quarterback is vital. Sam Howell's connection to the team, having grown up a Cowboys fan, adds a unique layer to the competition. His admiration for past Cowboys quarterbacks, such as Tony Romo and Dak Prescott, also highlights the rich quarterback legacy in Dallas. As the preseason progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on Howell and Joe Milton, not just to see who will emerge as the backup, but also to gauge their potential as future starters. The outcome of this battle could have significant implications for the team's depth and future success, making it a compelling storyline for local football enthusiasts.

About this story

Original reporting by NBC5 DFW. The Dallas selects stories from publishers’ feeds, summarises them, and links back to the publisher that reported them. We add no reporting of our own. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit NBC5 DFW. Have a tip or correction? Contact the editor.

Category: Local · Published: August 24, 2026 · Source: NBC5 DFW · Reading time: 5 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on August 24, 2026 by NBC5 DFW and curated for The Dallas readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Newy Scruggs and Charles Nichelson at NBC5 DFW. To learn more about how The Dallas selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more Local coverage from The Dallas, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

About this coverage

Every story on The Dallas is curated and checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see thedallas.org/editorial-standards.

About The Dallas

The Dallas is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover Dallas TX news, Dallas Independent School District, Skyline High School, Dallas. Our reporting is self-funded by its founders to date; no display ads are currently served, and any future advertising or sponsorships will be clearly labeled — never editorial pay-to-play. Read our ownership disclosures at thedallas.org/ownership.

Stay informed

More stories from our newsroom

Legal fight over Texas Dream Act continues as advocates ask court for rehearing

Staying safe as Dallas heat wave brings record-breaking, relentless triple-digit temperatures

Abbott Orders TDI Action As Texas Homeowners Insurance Premiums Soar 79%

Swrl Cinnamon Roll Factory now open in McKinney

Karmelo Anthony appeal: What's next after motion for new trial was denied

Breaking up with your loser boyfriend costs at least $7K in Texas

News | Morgan Stanley locks down new hub as it appears to lean toward North Texas for $1.3 billion campus

Medical, administrative office to be constructed in west Plano

ABC Auto Glass & Tint offers car services under new ownership in Richardson

Construction ongoing at Richardson ISD junior highs as students return to campus

How Dallas officials plan to enforce new THC restrictions

Explore the urban wine trail in Grapevine, Texas

Fast-moving Palo Pinto County grass fire grows to 2,500 acres; U.S. 180 shut down

3 Dallas schools named top colleges for 2027 by The Princeton Review

Texas lowers childcare target in Dallas County. What it means for families

4 Harwood Hospitality restaurants close in Uptown Dallas

Flock cameras are being used on college campuses; some students are not happy

Dallas police raise concerns about Flock camera vandalism

Élephante Dallas brings Italian flavors to Uptown Sept. 1

A Jaded Native Texan Falls in Love With Home Again

Texas Pride Realty Group marks 17 years of diversity-centric real estate in Texas

North Texas Giving Day early giving starts Aug. 27

A luncheon with purpose

Jan 3, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats running back Lincoln Pare (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Texas Mean Green during the third quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Texas ranks seventh in $207.6M robotics investment

North Texas' new backyard

Baseball like never before

How hot has North Texas been this summer? Even the lows are near record-breaking

One-on-one with Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey

Zach Bryan Debuts New Song ‘Robot Killed The Working Man’ In Texas

Dallas to start using "barnacles" for unpaid parking tickets

NBC 5 sits down with Cowboys Sam Howell amid backup QB battle with Joe Milton

Target, Home Depot and H-E-B open at new center outside of Dallas

How Smokey John’s BBQ is celebrating 50 years: free brisket and a block party

Seeing new cracks or sloping countertops? Your home’s foundation may be sinking

AG Ken Paxton Unveils Four-Point Texas Data Center Plan

Texas ranks 4th in U.S. for real-life treasure hunting

Project Beauty Gives Seconds Chances to Texas Women

Texas ranked seventh hardest-working state in new report

Good Morning Texas - WFAA