The Cowboys backup quarterback situation changed again on Sunday, when the Philadelphia Eagles poached Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad ahead of Monday Night Football. The move comes after the Eagles ruled Jalen Hurts out indefinitely one day earlier, creating an immediate need at quarterback and forcing a roster adjustment in the NFC East.
Milton, a 26-year-old quarterback, spent training camp in Oxnard trying to prove he could be QB2 in Dallas. He joined the Cowboys in 2025 as part of a trade from the New England Patriots that also included a swap of 2025 draft picks, then was waived in late August during final roster cutdowns before returning to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
What the move means for both teams
Now that the Eagles have added Milton, they must keep him on their active 53-man roster for a minimum of three games. That is a meaningful commitment, especially with Week 7 approaching and Jalen Hurts unavailable indefinitely after a superficial blood clot was discovered in his leg.
For Dallas, the depth chart behind Dak Prescott is thinner by one name. The Cowboys now have Dak Prescott, Sam Howell and an open practice-squad spot, which means Brian Schottenheimer and his staff will need to find another quarterback to fill the vacancy. Schottenheimer said the move did not catch him by surprise and called it a great opportunity for Milton, adding that the team recognizes his talent and that he hopes Milton gets every opportunity.
Why this matters now
This is not just a practice-squad transaction. Because the Eagles had to address an immediate quarterback need, Milton's departure affects both teams' short-term planning and could matter again later in the month. There is a chance Joe Milton and the Cowboys will square off on Oct. 26, which would make this a quick reunion after a sudden roster change.
For now, the takeaway is simple: Philadelphia gets a developmental quarterback with upside, while Dallas has to reset its Cowboys backup quarterback depth behind Prescott and Howell.
