# Dallas Cowboys 2026 roster finalization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dallas-cowboys-2026-roster-finalization > Updated: 2026-09-06T22:19:08.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 5. Following the preseason, the Dallas Cowboys finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season, characterized by significant personnel shifts. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted the roster was improved compared to the previous year. In the quarterback room, the team designated Sam Howell as the primary backup to Dak Prescott. This decision led to the team waiving Joe Milton III, despite his preseason performance of 378 yards and three touchdowns. While the Cowboys reportedly attempted to trade Milton, interest from other teams, including the Miami Dolphins, was insufficient. Schottenheimer described the decision to name Howell as the backup as ‘very, very hard’ and expressed interest in re-signing Milton to the practice squad to continue his development. On September 1, the Cowboys fulfilled that intention by re-signing Milton III to the practice squad. While Milton possesses elite athleticism and arm power, coaches have noted areas for improvement, such as huddling and play-calling. The competition remains close, as Howell offers more experience and stability while Milton provides ‘high-ceiling potential’. Wide receiver Camden Brown also secured a spot on the initial 53-man roster following a strong preseason performance in which he led the team in receiving yards. Brown, who learned of his roster placement via social media, described the achievement as a ‘dream come true’. To bolster backfield depth, the Cowboys also released second-year back Jaydon Blue and seventh-round pick Phil Mafah; Blue has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Malik Davis has solidified his role as the primary backup behind Javonte Williams. Other notable roster changes include the trade of offensive tackle Nate Thomas to the Houston Texans and the acquisition of offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Pittsburgh Steelers. ## Claims - The Dallas Cowboys finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Running back Jaydon Blue was waived and is not on the initial 53-man roster. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Sam Howell will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Undrafted rookie wide receiver Camden Brown made the initial 53-man roster. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Camden Brown recorded 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the preseason. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Dallas Cowboys are releasing quarterback Joe Milton III. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The team will retain three quarterbacks on the initial roster. (single source) - Seventh-round pick Anthony Smith was waived. (single source) - Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated the roster is better on paper than it was a year ago. (single source) - Owner Jerry Jones noted the roster remains fluid following the final preseason game. (single source) - The Dallas Cowboys officially waived Joe Milton. (single source) - The backup quarterback battle between Milton and Howell was neck and neck. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Joe Milton III returns to Dallas Cowboys practice squad The Dallas Cowboys have brought Joe Milton III back to the practice squad following a brief period on waivers, as he continues to compete with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback role. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-milton-iii-returns-to-dallas-cowboys-practice-squad ### 2026-09-02: Camden Brown makes Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown made the team's 53-man roster after a strong preseason, though he learned the news via social media rather than a direct call from the team. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camden-brown-makes-dallas-cowboys-53-man-roster ### 2026-09-01: Dallas Cowboys re-sign QB Joe Milton to practice squad The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Joe Milton III to their practice squad after he was waived to make room for running back Emari Demercado. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-cowboys-waive-quarterback-joe-milton-iii ### 2026-08-30: Dallas Cowboys finalize 53-man roster with major personnel changes The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their 53-man roster, waiving QB Joe Milton III and RB Jaydon Blue while naming Sam Howell as the primary backup to Dak Prescott. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-cowboys-finalize-initial-53-man-roster-for-2026-season ### 2026-08-28: Dallas Cowboys face wide receiver roster decisions The Dallas Cowboys are evaluating wide receiver depth as undrafted free agent Camden Brown competes for a roster spot against Jonathan Mingo following the preseason. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-cowboys-face-wide-receiver-roster-decisions --- Cite as: Dallas Cowboys 2026 roster finalization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dallas-cowboys-2026-roster-finalization