The Dallas Cowboys are trying to leave their disappointing 2025 season behind, and the quarterback room has already gone through an unexpected change. Joe Milton III is back in Dallas after briefly being waived, giving the team another option behind Dak Prescott.

Milton returned to the practice field on Thursday, four days after the Cowboys waived him. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Milton took reps alongside Sam Howell and Prescott after being personally informed that he was coming back.

“For him (Milton) to be able to stay here with the relationships that he’s built, understanding our system, understanding the locker room, the other coaches," Schottenheimer said. “...Got some reps today with Sam, Dak, and all those guys."

Milton’s return gives Dallas a familiar third quarterback while keeping him involved in the team’s offensive system. He also gets another opportunity to work alongside Prescott after spending last season as the veteran quarterback’s backup.

Speaking to the reporters on September 4 via the Cowboys' YouTube channel, Schottenheimer said he was happy to see Milton back after the quarterback went unclaimed on waivers. He praised Milton’s work ethic and development.

Dallas waived Milton Monday after claiming running back Emari Demercado and named Howell as Prescott’s backup. Milton cleared waivers and returned to the Cowboys’ practice squad, as per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Prescott said he was surprised Milton went unclaimed. Schottenheimer admitted he felt the same way but pointed to the crowded quarterback rooms around the league.

Milton made a strong case for himself during the preseason. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns without an interception across three games.

Milton's return gives him another chance in Dallas, but the brief release also showed just how quickly his place on the roster can change.

Joe Milton didn't shy away from his Cowboys release

Just a week earlier, Dallas had waived Milton and handed the backup job to Howell. The decision caught Milton off guard, but it did not shake his belief in himself.

When asked if the release surprised him, Milton called it “shocking.” He later acknowledged that football is a business and said he had to accept the decision.

“I'm still the best quarterback in my eyes,” Milton said, as reported by Nick Harris on September 8 via X. "It is what it is. It's just something you got to live with and take to the chin.”

The 26-year-old has appeared in only five regular-season games during his two-year NFL career. He has completed 37 passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns.

Milton also cited his relationship with Prescott as one reason he wanted to return to Dallas. Working around a veteran quarterback gives him another resource as he develops.

“I've got Dak in my (QB) room. A lot of places don't have a true vet who's been a starter in this league since they got in," Milton said.

The Cowboys open the regular season September 13 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Written by

Evince Das