How to Watch Cowboys vs. Saints NFL Preseason: Roster Battles That Will Decide Jobs
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints won’t feature many established stars, but don’t mistake it for a meaningless exhibition. Jobs, careers and Dallas’ quarterback depth chart could be decided Friday night at AT&T Stadium.
The biggest Cowboys storyline is the battle between Joe Milton and Sam Howell to back up Dak Prescott.
MORE: Can Jaydon Blue Win Cowboys RB Battle vs. Saints?
Milton has surged ahead with two encouraging performances, including an impressive first half against Arizona.
His arm strength has never been questioned, but improved control and decision-making have strengthened his case. Howell needs a sharp response against New Orleans to keep the competition alive and potentially convince Dallas to carry three quarterbacks.
The pressure extends well beyond the quarterback room.
Dallas hasn’t settled its running-back rotation behind starter Javonte Williams. Malik Davis offers reliability, Jaydon Blue flashed against Arizona and Phil Mafah turned his only carry last week into a touchdown.
Israel Abanikanda remains in the mix, too. Production matters, but pass protection and special-teams work could ultimately separate the survivors from the cuts.
The wide-receiver competition may be even tighter.
Undrafted rookie Camden Brown has emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most impressive newcomers, while Jonathan Mingo has produced his best stretch since joining Dallas.
Seventh-round pick Anthony Smith possesses game-breaking speed, but he could be squeezed out if the Cowboys keep only five receivers instead of six.
Sam Williams also enters the finale with plenty at stake. The former second-round pick recorded a sack against Arizona, yet the addition of Von Miller has made Dallas’ edge-rusher room uncomfortably crowded.
Williams’ ability to rush the passer and block kicks gives him value, but playing deep into last week’s game suggested the coaching staff still wants answers.
There’s also a little genuine hostility surrounding this matchup.
The Cowboys and Saints were each fined $500,000 after repeated fights disrupted their joint practice in Oxnard. Coaches Brian Schottenheimer and Kellen Moore reportedly considered ending that session early.
With both teams now fielding players fighting for employment, controlling that emotion will be another important evaluation.
New Orleans brings its own quarterback drama. Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson are competing for the No. 2 job after both threw interceptions against the Rams. Rattler’s mistake was returned 100 yards for a touchdown.
Dallas won’t learn much about its stars Friday. It could learn plenty about the bottom third of its roster.
MORE: 'I'm Not Scared!' Can Cowboys Rookie Michael Trigg Win Roster Spot Vs. Saints?
By Sunday evening, the Cowboys must cut down to 53 players. For Milton, Howell, Williams and several other bubble candidates, this isn’t just the final preseason game.
It’s the final argument.
WHAT: New Orleans Saints (0-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-0)
WHEN: Friday | Aug. 28, 2026 | 7 p.m. CT
WHERE: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX
TV: CBS-11
RADIO: KRLD-FM | 105.3 The Fan
BETTING ODDS via DraftKings
SPREAD: DAL -3
TOTAL: 37.5
MONEYLINE: NO +125 | DAL -150
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos