The Dallas Cowboys finished the preseason 2-1, but they did lose one linebacker to a significant injury. Marist Liufau suffered a fractured forearm in the preseason finale and will miss several weeks.

Liufau left the game against the New Orleans Saints in the first half and was later seen with his arm in a sling. After the game, head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the injury.

“Fractured his forearm, so I think he's going to have surgery as early as Monday,” Schottenheimer told reporters on August 29. “What a great competitor, and he'll be back.”

Schottenheimer did not rule out placing Liufau on injured reserve to begin the season. The Cowboys can now use two IR spots with a designation to return without first carrying those players on the initial 53-man roster.

According to a report by Mike Moraitis of Sports Illustrated, that could help Liufau's roster situation. He was viewed as a strong candidate to make the team before the injury, and the new rule gives Dallas another option while he recovers.

On the other hand, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard and rookie tight end DJ Rogers remain sidelined. Bullard did not appear in any preseason game, while Rogers has been out since suffering an injury in practice last week.

There was better news elsewhere on the roster. Rookie tight end Michael Trigg returned after missing time with a toe injury, while safety Julius Wood came back from a concussion.

Trigg did not record a catch on three targets against New Orleans. He is competing for the TE3 role but could land on the practice squad if Dallas cuts him and he clears waivers.

Wood made a stronger impression. He finished with six tackles and has spent the offseason competing with Markquese Bell for a safety spot.

Bell had two tackles in the finale, but Schottenheimer's recent praise of his special teams work could give him an advantage.

With the injury picture becoming clearer, Dallas also had to settle several key roster decisions.

Cowboys keep Joe Milton and Sam Howell as QB2 battle continues

Dallas also made its decision on the quarterbacks behind Dak Prescott. ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys kept Prescott, Joe Milton, and Sam Howell on the initial 53-man roster.

“Cowboys keep three QBs – Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Sam Howell,” Archer wrote on X. “They received some calls from teams for their backups, but a deal never came about.”

Both quarterbacks had made a case to stay. The question now is which one takes the No. 2 spot.

The Athletic's Jon Machota had projected Milton to beat out Howell, citing Milton's stronger overall training camp. Howell, though, performed better in the preseason finale and brings more NFL experience.

Schottenheimer has also praised the relationship between the two quarterbacks. “They’re both great competitors,” he said, per DallasCowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish. “What I love about them both is both guys want to win the spot. Both guys want to compete, but both guys are really happy for each other when they do well.”

With the regular season approaching, Dallas now has fewer roster decisions left. Liufau's injury is the biggest concern, while the backup quarterback competition remains unresolved.

Written by

Evince Das