The Dallas Cowboys have finalized the core of their practice squad for the 2026 season, headlined by the Wednesday re-signing of quarterback Joe Milton.
The move comes just two days after the team surprisingly waived Milton to clear a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Milton, who served as Dak Prescott‘s primary backup in 2025, cleared waivers on Tuesday without being claimed by any of the other 31 teams.
That opened the door for Dallas to bring him back on the practice squad, a scenario both head coach Brian Schottenheimer and COO Stephen Jones had openly expressed interest in. Schottenheimer called it a “very, very hard decision” to choose Sam Howell as the QB2 over Milton, adding that “to have Joe Milton back would be incredible”.
What's New
The 26 year old quarterback had a strong preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He will now serve as the third quarterback on the depth chart behind Prescott and Howell.
The Cowboys have filled 16 practice squad spots, with the potential to add a 17th player through the International Player Pathway Program exemption. The full roster includes offensive players like running back Israel Abanikanda, wide receivers Jordan Hudson and Anthony Smith, tight end Michael Trigg, and offensive linemen Wanya Morris, Marcellus Johnson and Nick Leverett.
On the other hand, defensive additions include defensive tackles Tommy Dunn and Elijah Garcia, linebackers Justin Barron, Isaiah Land and Curtis Robinson, along with defensive backs Derion Kendrick and Reddy Steward. The squad also features International Pathway player Adedayo Odeleye on the defensive line.
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Cowboys practice squad analysis
The composition of Dallas’s practice squad reveals a deliberate strategy focused on developmental depth and positional insurance.
The most significant storyline is the retention of Milton, which gives the Cowboys three quarterbacks in the organization despite carrying only two on the active roster. This provides security should injuries arise and allows Milton to continue developing within Schottenheimer’s system.
At running back, Abanikanda’s presence offers experienced depth behind Javonte Williams and Malik Davis. The wide receiver room gets two promising young talents in Hudson, who flashed in the preseason finale, and seventh round rookie Smith.
Trigg, the highest paid undrafted free agent in this year’s class, will continue his development at tight end. The offensive line additions of Morris, Johnson and Leverett provide experienced insurance along the trenches.
Defensively, the Cowboys prioritized familiar faces with active roster experience. Steward, who played in all 17 games last season, was one of the tougher cuts and provides immediate nickel corner and safety versatility.
Barron and Land both spent significant time on last year’s practice squad and impressed during training camp. The Cowboys are currently light at linebacker on the active roster, making the retention of Robinson and Barron particularly valuable.
With the season opener against the New York Giants scheduled for September 13, the Cowboys appear satisfied with their practice squad composition.
The team could still add one more player through the IPP exemption, but the current group gives Dallas a blend of developmental prospects and experienced backups ready to contribute when called upon.
