Joe Milton III's professional football journey has taken an unexpected turn, bringing him back to the Dallas Cowboys just days after he was waived. After clearing waivers without any claims from the other 31 NFL teams, the Cowboys signed Milton to their practice squad, marking a unique chapter in his career as he joins Dak Prescott and Sam Howell in the quarterback room.
The Cowboys initially released Milton, but their interest in retaining him was apparent from the outset. Executive vice president Stephen Jones and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer expressed their desire to have Milton back on the team after his release, indicating that they valued his performance during the preseason. Schottenheimer noted that while the decision to waive Milton was difficult, they believed that Howell was the better option for the backup role at that time.
Milton's return to Dallas is significant, as it allows the Cowboys to maintain depth at the quarterback position heading into the regular season. With Prescott as the starter and Howell as the backup, Milton will serve as the third quarterback, providing the team with additional security should injuries arise. His signing to the practice squad was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, highlighting the Cowboys' intent to keep him within their organization.
Despite being a free agent and technically available for any team to sign, the lack of claims on Milton suggests that other teams may not view him as an immediate fit for their rosters. This scenario underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges young quarterbacks face in securing a permanent position on a team. Milton's performance in the preseason was commendable, which is likely why the Cowboys were eager to bring him back.
In addition to Milton's situation, the Cowboys have made other roster adjustments, including a trade for offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move involved a swap of draft picks and was aimed at bolstering the offensive line as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Coach Schottenheimer clarified that Jones was brought in to compete for the starting right tackle position, indicating that the Cowboys are serious about enhancing their offensive capabilities.
As the Cowboys gear up for their regular season opener against the New York Giants on September 13, the depth chart is shaping up with key players like Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the newly acquired Jones. The Cowboys hope that their roster moves, including Milton's return, will set them up for a successful campaign in the highly competitive NFC East.
With the Cowboys having five players ranked in ESPN's annual Top 100 player rankings, including Prescott and Lamb, the team is looking to build on its previous successes and make a deeper playoff run this season. As the Cowboys prepare for the challenges ahead, Milton's presence on the practice squad could provide valuable support and development opportunities as the season unfolds.
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