Sam Howell earned the Cowboys’ backup quarterback job behind Dak Prescott, but Joe Milton’s return to the practice squad keeps the competition alive.

Sam Howell won the Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback job, but he didn’t exactly eliminate Joe Milton from the picture.

Dallas chose Howell as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott after a tight preseason battle, citing his consistency, command of the offense and NFL experience. Milton was waived, cleared waivers and then returned to the Cowboys’ practice squad, keeping one of the team’s most interesting roster battles alive.

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For Howell, the message is simple: the job is his, but the pressure isn’t gone.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the decision came down to Howell doing a little more within the structure of the offense. Howell also brings significantly more regular-season experience. Since entering the NFL in 2022, he has appeared in 20 games and started 18, including all 17 games for Washington in 2023.

That season, Howell threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, while absorbing more sacks than any other quarterback in the league.

Milton remains the upside play.

He has the bigger arm, more raw athleticism and enough physical tools to keep the Cowboys interested. Prescott himself praised Milton after his return, calling him a strong competitor who makes the quarterback room better.

That’s exactly why Howell can’t get comfortable.

The Cowboys want a backup who can keep the offense functional if Prescott misses time. Howell’s ability to process the field, work through progressions and understand spacing gave him the edge in the preseason competition.

But Milton now gets to keep developing in the same system, away from the immediate pressure of a 53-man roster spot.

That could matter later.

Howell said he isn’t overly concerned with why the coaches picked him. His focus is on preparing like a starter, helping Prescott during the week and being ready if his number gets called.

That’s the right approach.

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Because the Cowboys didn’t really end their quarterback competition.

They just changed the format.

Howell owns the QB2 job today. Milton is still in the building.

And if Howell slips, that battle could reopen quickly.