Cowboys backup QB opens eyes with preseason performance

Dak Prescott who?

The Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback wasn't in the lineup for the team's preseason game on Aug. 22 against the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, it was Joe Milton III that got the nod from head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

And Milton made the most of the opportunity.

The third-year pro out of Tennessee shined in the opening 30 minutes, leading the Cowboys to a 24-6 halftime lead and accounted for all three touchdowns. A pair of them came with his arm, including a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo to make it 14-0 Dallas.

GOIN' DEEEEEEP 👀#DALvsAZ | @ogmingo1k

📺: #DALvsAZ on CBS11  
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He later called his own number on a quarterback draw, rushing in for the two-yard score.

QB sneak ⬆️#DALvsAZ | @Qbjayy7

📺: #DALvsAZ on CBS11  
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/7pAfvQ9tidpic.twitter.com/EjxHTseodo

While Milton has thrived in his preseason action, it's important to remember that he is still firmly behind Prescott on the depth chart. He will remain there unless an injury forces the star out of action.

If nothing else, Cowboys fans can sleep a little better at night with the belief they have a capable backup behind Prescott. After all, that's what the preseason is all about – seeing what you have up-and-down the roster.

After the first half in Arizona, the Cowboys might be feeling even better about the quarterback room. Here's a look at what Milton did in the desert.

• Completions/Attempts (%): 9/13 (69.2%)
• Passing yards: 179
• Passing touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 0
• Passer rating: 151.4
• Rushing yards: 2
• Rushing touchdowns: 1
• Sacks: 0

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cowboys backup QB opens eyes with preseason performance