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Dallas Cowboys finalize 53-man roster with major personnel changes
The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season, making several high-profile personnel changes. In the quarterback room, the team has designated Sam Howell as the primary backup to Dak Prescott, resulting in the waiver of Joe Milton III despite a strong preseason performance where Milton threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
Significant moves in the backfield include the release of running back Jaydon Blue and seventh-round pick Phil Mafah. Blue, who had faced criticism regarding professionalism, has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Malik Davis has secured the No. 2 running back role, and the team claimed Emari Demercado off waivers to bolster depth.
On the offensive line, the Cowboys acquired Broderick Jones via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones will compete with veteran Terence Steele for the starting right tackle position. Other notable roster cuts include linebacker Sam Williams and offensive tackle Nate Thomas, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
Entities
Brian Schottenheimer · Camden Brown · Dak Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Emari Demercado · Javonte Williams · Jaydon Blue · Jerry Jones · Joe Milton III · Sam Howell · Sam Williams
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Undrafted rookie wide receiver Camden Brown made the initial 53-man roster.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Running back Jaydon Blue was waived and is not on the initial 53-man roster. time.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Owner Jerry Jones noted the roster remains fluid following the final preseason game. time.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Seventh-round pick Anthony Smith was waived.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated the roster is better on paper than it was a year ago. time.news
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Dallas Cowboys finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. time.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] Camden Brown recorded 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the preseason.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The team will retain three quarterbacks on the initial roster. time.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Joe Milton III was a 6th-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL draft.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Dallas Cowboys officially waived Joe Milton.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The backup quarterback battle between Milton and Howell was neck and neck. www.nytimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sam Howell will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott. www.rockytopinsider.com · www.nytimes.com