FRISCO, TX — The absence of pads for a specific group of Dallas Cowboys players against the New Orleans Saints may have just told us exactly who will be wearing the star come Week 1.
As the Cowboys took the field for their preseason finale against the Saints, an intriguing storyline unfolded before a single snap was played. A significant number of players were spotted without pads, and in the world of NFL roster construction, that silence spoke volumes.
According to reports from Jon Machota of The Athletic and photos captured by ESPN’s Todd Archer, the list of players not in pads provides perhaps the clearest indicator yet of the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster.
The logic is that teams do not risk injuries to players they have already decided will be on the roster. With final cuts looming, this visual clue offers a compelling preview of America’s Team for the 2026 season.
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Related: Dallas Cowboys roster projection 2026: Full 90-man breakdown (training camp update)
Cowboys roster: A revamped offense and explosive weapons
The offense appears to be taking shape, with a clear starting five along the offensive line. Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Guyton, and Terence Steele were all held out, confirming their status as the projected starters. This group represents a significant investment in the trenches, with Guyton expected to deliver at left tackle following Tyron Smith’s departure. The depth behind them, including T.J. Bass, also appears secure.
At the skill positions, the receiving corps looks potent and deep. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline a group that also includes Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo.
Mingo’s presence on the no-pads list is particularly noteworthy. The Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers to acquire him nearly two years ago. Just this past week against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught his first touchdown with the team. While it came in a preseason game, it was Mingo’s first touchdown of any kind in the NFL. His inclusion suggests the organization believes he is ready to contribute meaningfully.
The tight end room remains intact with Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brevyn Spann-Ford all being held out. Ferguson is expected to start alongside Schoonmaker. At running back, Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke are confirmed roster members, with Williams coming off a dominant 2025 season.
Cowboys roster 2026: A transformed defense with new faces and high expectations
Perhaps the most dramatic changes have occurred on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys have remade a large portion of their defense in an effort to align their roster with their new coaching staff. The no-pads list reveals a defense that is both talented and deep.
The defensive line features a formidable interior with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Jonathan Bullard, and Otito Ogbonnia all being held out.
The edge rushing group is equally impressive, with Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Von Miller all appearing to have secured their spots. Miller, a future Hall of Famer, brings veteran leadership to a young and hungry group.
The linebacker corps features DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters, both of whom were not in pads. Overshown has been participating in training camp practices and is expected to be a key contributor.
The secondary appears to be one of the most improved units on the roster. DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, and Cobie Durant headline the cornerback group.
At safety, the Cowboys have assembled a talented group including Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, and P.J. Locke. Downs, a first-round pick, has performed well in camp alongside fellow rookie Malachi Lawrence. The Cowboys are expected to carry 11 defensive backs on the 53-man roster.
Quarterback clarity: The Milton question answered
One of the most significant takeaways from the no-pads list is the absence of Dak Prescott and Joe Milton, while Sam Howell was not included.
This suggests the Cowboys may be comfortable carrying only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.
Milton has silenced any questions about the backup quarterback competition by running away with the job. He was never a cut candidate, but if he had struggled, the Cowboys would have been forced to carry three quarterbacks. With Milton showing strong signs of development, the team should feel comfortable hoping to bring Sam Howell back to the practice squad.
As Todd Archer of ESPN noted, “Maybe in a perfect world the Cowboys would rather go with two quarterbacks, but Milton and Howell have fared well and if quarterback is the most important spot on the team, then maybe it’s wise to keep three”. The decision to potentially keep only two indicates the coaching staff’s confidence in Milton’s readiness.
Who are not expected to be on the roster?
What this means for the 2026 Season
The Cowboys are coming off a disastrous 2025 season, and the saying “this feels different” has been thrown around a lot this offseason. The final step toward things working out differently is building the best possible 53-man roster.
Based on the no-pads list and supporting reports from multiple beat writers, the Cowboys’ roster is taking shape with a clear identity. The offensive line is young and talented. The receiving corps is deep and explosive. The defense has been dramatically overhauled with an emphasis on speed and playmaking ability.
Of course, nothing is official until the final cuts are submitted. But when a player is not in pads for the preseason finale, the message is usually clear: they have earned their spot. For the players on this list, the hard work of training camp has paid off.
For the fans, it is a glimpse at the team that will take the field in Week 1 with hopes of turning the page on a disappointing 2025 and writing a new chapter of Cowboys football.
