Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer isn't hurrying to name Dak Prescott's backup, and fans shouldn't assume Joe Milton has the job just yet.
On Monday, Schottenheimer declined to name Milton as the definitive backup QB. The position remains open as the team evaluates its options in the 2025 preseason.
"We don't have to decide that today," Schottenheimer said, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. … "I need to get to learn him as the play-caller. … I'm not going to say who the backup running back is right now, who the backup quarterback is right now, because I don't have to make those decisions yet."
Milton, acquired from the New England Patriots in a trade this offseason, played most of Dallas' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. He showed signs of potential but also faced challenges, finishing the game 17 of 29 passing for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception before leaving late with an elbow injury.
"Our plan all along has been that we need to find out about Joe Milton," Schottenheimer added. "Under no circumstance am I panicked or worried about Joe Milton. Joe Milton played really well in the second half. He did some really good things. He calmed down. He figured it out."
With established starter Dak Prescott recovering from a torn right hamstring suffered late last season, the Cowboys are in no rush to name a backup until they have more clarity on Milton's development and health.