Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton III will start for the second consecutive week when Dallas plays the Baltimore Ravens in Saturday’s preseason matchup.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer made the announcement on Thursday, ending speculation the Cowboys were leaning toward using fellow backup Will Grier before splitting reps next week.

Milton was 17-of-29 for 143 yards in the preseason opener against the Ravens with one TD pass and one interception. Acquired from the New England Patriots and praised for his arm strength and size at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Milton is pushing to be the primary backup to Dak Prescott this season.

Owner Jerry Jones on Wednesday did not rule out adding a veteran at quarterback or any other position as roster cuts are made over the next two weeks.

Dallas is trialing available options to replace longtime No. 2 quarterback Cooper Rush, who signed with the Ravens in free agency.

As the Cowboys broke training camp and packed up to leave Oxnard, Calif., for the summer on Thursday, Schottenheimer did not commit to playing Grier in this week’s game.

“You never know, he’ll always have a cigarette in hand,” Schottenheimer said.

Dallas does expect rookie first-round pick Tyler Booker to play after missing last week’s game. Schottenheimer said the Cowboys would need more time to determine whether rookie running back Jaydon Blue and free agent addition Miles Sanders would be able to play against the Ravens.

Milton, 25, was a sixth-round draft pick by New England in 2024. The Cowboys acquired Milton and a 2025 seventh-round pick (No. 217) from the Patriots for a 2025 fifth-round pick in April.

He completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards with a touchdown and ran for a score in the only game he played with the Patriots.

–Field Level Media