Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) hurdles Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. (31) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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The Dallas Cowboys are undefeated in 2026 preseason play.
Led by quarterback Joe Milton, the Cowboys took down the Arizona Cardinals by a 34-13 score on Saturday night. Milton went 9-for-13 through the air for 179 yards and three total touchdowns as he made his case to be Dallas’ QB2. Dallas also got some impressive showings from players like linebacker Jaishawn Barham and running back Jaydon Blue.
Below, you’ll find game stories, photos and more from our crew covering Cowboys-Cardinals:
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— Five takeaways from Cowboys-Cardinals: Joe Milton states his case for QB2 role
— National reaction to Cowboys’ win over Cardinals: What could Dallas get in Joe Milton trade?
— Caleb Downs doesn’t play in Cowboys-Cardinals, while Jaishawn Barham shines in injury return
— Luke Schoonmaker, Zack Kuntz see increased roles with Cowboys shorthanded at TE vs. Cardinals
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton waits in the tunnel to take the field for the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) encourages his teammates as they take the field for the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) pushes past Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford for a first down during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) pushes past Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford for a first down during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham (55) brings down Arizona Cardinals running back Corey Kiner (37) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer calls in a play during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) brings down Arizona Cardinals running back Corey Kiner (37) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Shavon Revel (28) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) hauls in a 53 yard touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (20) scores past Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karson Sharar (43) on an 8 yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) races to the end zone on a 53 yard touchdown pass past Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) hauls in a 53 yard touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer works on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) celebrates after a 53-yard touchdown reception by Jonathan Mingo during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown comes up just short of the end zone on a 70-yard reception during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham (55) brings down Arizona Cardinals running back Evan Hull (43) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton scores on a one yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) celebrates with offensive lineman Drew Shelton (67) after scoring on a one yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman LT Overton (bottom) as linebacker Tyrus Wheat (90) comes in on the hit during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman LT Overton (99) celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (right) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller poses for a selfie with fans while signing autographs before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller poses for a selfie with fans while signing autographs before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller signs autographs before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller signs autographs before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) scrambles away from Arizona Cardinals linebackers Eugene Asante (48) and Owen Pappoe (44) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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A pass goes off the hands of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jaden Smith (17) as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei’trel Clark (13) defends during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell throws a pass during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda (30) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kalen King (35)during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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A pass goes off the hands of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jaden Smith (17) as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei’trel Clark (13) defends during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Arizona Cardinals safety Isaiah Oliver (34) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Anthony Smith (83) as the Cardinals Wydett Williams Jr. (31) also defends during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sam Williams (54) celebrates a sack with Marist Liufau (35) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) brings down Arizona Cardinals running back Tre Stewart during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) takes a snap as offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) blocks against Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Cam Horsley (93) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) works against Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Cam Horsley (93) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah celebrates after scoring on a 15-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer after Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete checked into the game during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer after Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete checked into the game during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) as he leaves the field after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) as he leaves the field after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) as he leaves the field after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Fans cheer Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete (75) as he leaves the field after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys fans cheer their team before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller gives a thumbs up to the crowd before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones autographs a cap for Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation, before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashan Gary (7) shakes hands with linebacker Shemar James (50) before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott applauds as he teammates warm up before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones does a broadcast interview before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trikweze Bridges (25) breaks up a pass intended for Bryson Green of the Arizona Cardinals (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller gives a thumbs up as he arrives at State Farm Stadium before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb arrives at State Farm Stadium before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sits in field level seats and talks on his phone before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs arrives at State Farm Stadium before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sits in field level seats and talks on his phone before an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Final in Glendale: The Cowboys defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. It was a big night for Joe Milton and Dallas’ defense. Milton made a big statement in the team’s QB2 battle, showing poise in his first-half performance.
The Dallas Cowboys aren’t done scoring yet. Sam Howell led a 6-play, 38-yard scoring drive that ended with a shifty 15-yard touchdown run from Phil Mafah. That’s a big play from a running back looking to maintain a roster spot. Cowboys hold a 19-point lead in the fourth. Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13
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Sam Howell didn’t make a great decision as he looked to extend Dallas’ lead. Facing a third-and-2, the quarterback launched a deep pass to receiver Anthony Smith in the end zone. Arizona’s Isaiah Oliver was on top of the play, coming down with an interception to keep Dallas off the board. The Cowboys’ defense quickly responded with some timely hits on Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis. Dallas leads 27-13 with 5:36 left in the fourth.
The Cowboys will have to close out the game without a member of their secondary. Safety Julius Wood was ruled out for the remainder of the game after entering concussion protocol. Dallas holds a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
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Sam Howell is now in the game for the Cowboys at quarterback. He couldn’t lead the team into the end zone, but Dallas still extended its lead with a 29-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey. Cowboys are back up by 14 in Arizona. Cowboys 27, Cardinals 13
The Cardinals have finally gotten into the end zone. Arizona had a successful first drive to open the second half, finishing it off with a 1-yard touchdown run from Corey Kiner. Dallas leads by 11. Cowboys 24, Cardinals 13
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It’s been a big first half for Joe Milton and the Cowboys. The team goes into the break with an 18-point lead after Brandon Aubrey drilled a 50-yard field goal. Milton has gone 9-for-13 through the air for 179 yards and three total touchdowns as Dallas leads 24-6.
Dallas’ defense made another big stop. After the Cardinals drove downfield, the Cowboys capitalized on a false start penalty called on Arizona running back Corey Kiner. With the Cardinals facing third-and-goal, Cowboys fourth-round rookie L.T. Overton wrapped up Gardner Minshew for the sack. Arizona settled for a field goal, which Chad Ryland converted from 31 yards out. Cowboys 21, Cardinals 6
Joe Milton is having a night, ladies and gentlemen. The quarterback found the end zone again early in the second quarter. Milton made a huge play by finding Camden Brown for a 70-yard completion. After the deep pass, Milton finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Cowboys hold a comfortable lead at this point. Cowboys 21, Cardinals 3
Dallas’ defense found a way to keep Arizona out of the end zone. Some offensive penalties helped. The Cardinals technically found the end zone twice on the drive, but tight end Rivaldo Fairweather was called for two penalties to nullify the scoring plays. Chad Ryland converted a 38-yard field goal to put the Cardinals on the board. Cowboys 14, Cardinals 3
The first quarter has ended in Arizona. Dallas has impressed early in this one as Joe Milton has thrown for two touchdowns. The Cowboys’ defense is looking to shut down the Cardinals again as the second quarter begins.
Bazooka Joe is in the building. Joe Milton showcased his arm strength by launching a deep pass to Jonathan Mingo in the first quarter. The pass hit Mingo in stride and the sequence ended with a 53-yard touchdown connection. Milton is making a statement in the QB2 battle with two touchdown passes against Arizona. Cowboys lead by two touchdowns with 3:51 left in the first. Cowboys 14, Cardinals 0
The opening drive didn’t seem to faze the Cowboys. Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. added a highlight-reel play to his strong training camp tape, coming up with an interception. The Revel pick gave Dallas favorable field position, and Milton capitalized. The quarterback found Malik Davis for an 8-yard touchdown connection. Dallas takes a first-quarter lead. Cowboys 7, Cardinals 0
A promising opening drive went nowhere for the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Milton had some nice completions, and Malik Davis was putting up some tough runs to open the first quarter. The Cowboys picked up 66 yards on 12 plays, but the drive ended with a turnover on downs when a Milton pass to tight end Zack Kuntz fell incomplete. Arizona will take over at its own 12.
Cowboys-Cardinals has kicked off in Glendale, Ariz. Joe Milton and the Cowboys’ offense take the field first.
Luke Schoonmaker and Zack Kuntz will be Dallas’ only tight ends for Saturday night’s game. Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford are the team’s main starters.
The Cowboys will have just two TEs tonight: Luke Schoonmaker and Zack Kuntz for the game. Ferguson, Spann-Ford are the main starters, but DJ Rogers (knee) and Michael Trigg (toe) are hurt.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 23, 2026
We’ll get a good look at Joe Milton tonight. According to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Milton will start at quarterback for Dallas against the Cardinals. Malik Davis will share the backfield with Milton to kick things off. Meanwhile, rookie Jaishawn Barham and Devin Moore will make their preseason debut.
Brian Schottenheimer said on the Cowboys pregame show Joe Milton will start tonight against Arizona.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 23, 2026
Malik Davis will start at running back tonight for the Cowboys according to Brian Schottenheimer from the pregame show.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 23, 2026
Brian Schottenheimer said to @Boys_Vox and @1053thefan that Cowboys rookie LB Jaishawn Barham and CB Devin Moore will make their preseason debuts tonight,
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 23, 2026
It appears both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah could get some playing time Saturday night. Both players dealt with some injury issues throughout the week.
Looks like from early indications Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue will play tonight. Both players are in full uniform in warmups. Blue and Mafah were dealing with some health issues in the last week.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 23, 2026
We’re approaching kickoff between the Cowboys and Cardinals. Our Calvin Watkins is out at State Farm Stadium for Saturday night’s preseason action:
Looking for a few things at Cowboys-Cardinals:
Will Sam Howell or Joe Milton take the lead for the backup gig?
Cowboys had 13 penalties in preseason opener. Will those numbers decrease?
Cam Brown. Jonathan Mingo. Who do you want as 5th WR? Maybe u keep both, so u go with 6.— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 22, 2026
Caelen Carson has to improve. The 1st game was rough. Needs to work on hand placement and his eyes vs WRs.
Can someone emerge as the swing tackle? Nate Thomas? Drew Shelton? Both should make the 53. But who does Schotty trust?
The backup RBs competition is tougher than we think.— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 22, 2026
I think I’ve seen enough of Shavon Revel that he doesn’t need to play tonight. If he does play, will a good performance push him past Cobie Durant?
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 22, 2026
TV: CBS 11 (local), NFL Network (national)
Radio: 105.3 The Fan (English), KMVK-FM 107.5 (Spanish)
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— Cowboys or college? Camden Brown, rookies on roster cusp have intriguing options available