Preseason Week 2: Cowboys' Backup QB Battle Visits Cardinals
The Dallas Cowboys travel to Arizona on Saturday, August 22. Dallas isn't planning to play its true starters this preseason, with the backup quarterback race between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell still open behind Dak Prescott. Arizona's Carson Beck, who threw three touchdowns across five non-kneel drives in the Hall of Fame Game, missed last week's game with a minor rib injury and his availability for this one is uncertain.
Milton-Howell competition remains a toss-up
With Dallas withholding its starters again, this game is another meaningful evaluation point for Cowboys quarterback depth.
Beck's status is the key Arizona question
After a strong Hall of Fame Game showing, Beck's rib injury cost him last week's action, and it's unclear whether he's ready to return.
Rookie Caleb Downs sees limited action again
Arizona's rookie defensive back is expected to see a similarly limited, single-series workload as the team continues managing his workload.
AI Prediction
Cowboys 
Cardinals Home field offers a slight edge amid heavy uncertainty
With both teams' plans unclear, Arizona's home environment provides a modest tiebreaker in an otherwise even projection.
Beck's uncertain status caps confidence either way
If Arizona's most productive quarterback from this preseason can't play, the Cardinals lose their clearest advantage.
Dallas continuing to withhold starters keeps this unpredictable
With the Cowboys' top talent staying on the sideline again, the Milton-Howell competition will largely decide Dallas's output.
This is a preseason exhibition. With both teams' plans uncertain and a key Arizona player's availability in question, this is one of the week's closest calls.
Cardinals Leaders
Cowboys Leaders
Team Stats
| Cowboys | Stat | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| 17.0 | Points Per Game | 28.5 |
| 338.0 | Total Yards | 406.5 |
| 201.0 | Yards Passing | 257.0 |
| 137.0 | Yards Rushing | 149.5 |
| 7.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 23.5 |
| 183.0 | Yards Allowed | 359.0 |
| 76.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 237.0 |
| 107.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 122.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Cardinals Injuries