Machota's Cowboys 53-man roster projection

[big dog cowboy]

As Machota pints out, it's important to remember what happens tomorrow isn't the Cowboys final 53. They will make moves just like every other team. As a Cowboys reporter, he gives a pretty good idea of what the first 53 might looks like. He goes 10 deep at OL and 6 deep at WR.

Cowboys 53-man roster projection: Will they keep 3 QBs? Which spots still need help?
By Jon Machota
Aug. 29, 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jerry Jones said at the beginning of training camp that the Dallas Cowboys were open to making a “substantive” move if one was available. Since that time, their only notable move was signing veteran edge rusher Von Miller. But they’ve also been very fortunate in the health department.

Does that mean they are set with their final 53 being what they already have in the building?

Not necessarily.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/75...t&source=emp_shared_article&smid=ta-ios-share

 

[Jarntt]

As good a list as any and I think this is going to be pretty close, but I don't think you could go with only 4 CBs. Downs playing the Nickel Corner in CPs defense doesn't totally replace a CB. It's a hybrid position.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

By Sam Williams
Hello Camden Brown

Sidenote.......Howell to the practice squad?????? Don't see them carrying 3 QBs and don't see them cutting Milton.

 

[Jarntt]

By Sam Williams
Hello Camden Brown

Sidenote.......Howell to the practice squad?????? Don't see them carrying 3 QBs and don't see them cutting Milton.

I don't see them cutting Howell. I think 3. Milton higher upside buy Howell gives you a more reliable floor IMO. If Dak goes down for a few games I want both and am willing to give up an OT who never sees the field or some other guy to do it

 

[Jarntt]

So if this is your plan why keep 2 crappy OTs on the 53? One sure, but 2? the other is perfect for the PS and call up if injury strikes. I mean who is claiming either of them and if they do, who cares. I wonder if one of our starters gets injured and Thomas fails or gets injured also if they would even start Shelton in a game even if they didn't want to move Tyler 73.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

By Sam Williams
Hello Camden Brown

Sidenote.......Howell to the practice squad?????? Don't see them carrying 3 QBs and don't see them cutting Milton.

I honestly believe that Howell will not make it to the PS. He is much better than a lot of the backups QBs I have seen on other teams. I think they keep all three.

I could see them going with only 4 ILB and hoping they can get Barron onto the PS. The big debate at OLB is Williams vs. Houston. Houston is clearly the better pass rusher but Williams can do more things.

I will be very surprised if Cornelius isn't kept on the OL...he has had a good camp and played well in the first two games. I think Keegan and Leverette are fighting for one spot. Cornelius may not have the flexibility that Keegan and Leverette do, although he possibly could play T in a pinch. I know you want to keep our draft pick and we are light at T but keeping players that look overmatched makes no sense.

Hoping Mafah can make it to the PS. Trigg disappointed last night. Actually all of the backup TE's did. Several of the receivers made their case....you could see what the Cowboys liked in them.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

So if this is your plan why keep 2 crappy OTs on the 53? One sure, but 2? the other is perfect for the PS and call up if injury strikes. I mean who is claiming either of them and if they do, who cares. I wonder if one of our starters gets injured and Thomas fails or gets injured also if they would even start Shelton in a game even if they didn't want to move Tyler 73.

My thoughts as well on the OT. Thomas and Shelton have not shown anything that makes it feel like they should be on the 53. I think both probably would make it to the PS unless there is someone out there that really wanted Shelton. And I think there will be a vet out there that would be better than either to put on the 53.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I honestly believe that Howell will not make it to the PS. He is much better than a lot of the backups QBs I have seen on other teams. I think they keep all three.

Howell's experience vs Milton's development

 

[RandyOh]

i agree with everything but Shelton. He can't take up a roster spot. Nate Thomas has actually shown he could step in and give some ok protection against starting defenders last year so ill give him the benefit of the doubt after his pre season showing, but Shelton gonna get Dak killed if he has to the see field at all.

 

[Jarntt]

My thoughts as well on the OT. Thomas and Shelton have not shown anything that makes it feel like they should be on the 53. I think both probably would make it to the PS unless there is someone out there that really wanted Shelton. And I think there will be a vet out there that would be better than either to put on the 53.

THIS ^

They better be looking for a better OT any way via waiver pickup, trade or free agent signing

 

[stilltheguru]

I honestly believe that Howell will not make it to the PS. He is much better than a lot of the backups QBs I have seen on other teams. I think they keep all three.

I could see them going with only 4 ILB and hoping they can get Barron onto the PS. The big debate at OLB is Williams vs. Houston. Houston is clearly the better pass rusher but Williams can do more things.

I will be very surprised if Cornelius isn't kept on the OL...he has had a good camp and played well in the first two games. I think Keegan and Leverette are fighting for one spot. Cornelius may not have the flexibility that Keegan and Leverette do, although he possibly could play T in a pinch. I know you want to keep our draft pick and we are light at T but keeping players that look overmatched makes no sense.

Hoping Mafah can make it to the PS. Trigg disappointed last night. Actually all of the backup TE's did. Several of the receivers made their case....you could see what the Cowboys liked in them.

Howell was free to go anywhere he wanted and no teams were really interested. Howell has more value in fans minds than he actually has. Nfl teams know there's no upside with him

 

[DFWJC]

I don't see them cutting Howell. I think 3. Milton higher upside buy Howell gives you a more reliable floor IMO. If Dak goes down for a few games I want both and am willing to give up an OT who never sees the field or some other guy to do it

They are not going to cut Howell.

 

[blueblood70]

By Sam Williams
Hello Camden Brown

Sidenote.......Howell to the practice squad?????? Don't see them carrying 3 QBs and don't see them cutting Milton.

Pittsburgh and Carry 4, and I don't know how they're doing it the Cowboys can carry three y

es they can i'm making Sam Howell my QB2 because in a long relief he is the best option When the season looks like it's lost and Prescott's not standing upright that's when Milton comes in and keeps his learning going i'm sorry I am not working my roster around a project Sam Howell is Cooper Rush with more mobility that's it that's what we have that's what worked before that's what we need short term long-term milton gets those long cleanup run if he needs it...

Well the season is on the line It is Sam's job. You use a veteran with experience that looks a lot like the other guy you let go with more mobility sam Howell is just a slightly improved version of Cooper Rush Imagine him with all the number ones I can I can imagine him with that talent he never really had in Washington and still look decent in Washington...

 

[DFWJC]

Howell's experience vs Milton's development

They'll keep both or trade one. They aren't cutting either.

 

[blueblood70]

Howell was free to go anywhere he wanted and no teams were really interested. Howell has more value in fans minds than he actually has. Nfl teams know there's no upside with him

So was Flournoy huh we flip the tables on someone you think that's good that also didn't get taken everyone's worried about Brown you know what It is what it is sam is the best option for a long reliever I don't care what you try to do with the verbiage these stories you want to tell Milton is not ready to carry this team when it's still on the line I'm not putting my team in his hands until he's ready it's not fair to him either he started getting happy feet again he he is not the QB2 he is the QB 3 but you try to protect both..

they can i'm making Sam Howell my QB2 because in a long relief he is the best option When the season looks like it's lost and Prescott's not standing upright that's when Milton comes in and keeps his learning going i'm sorry I am not working my roster around a project Sam Howell is Cooper Rush with more mobility that's it that's what we have that's what worked before that's what we need short term long-term milton gets those long cleanup run if he needs it...

Well the season is on the line It is Sam's job. You use a veteran with experience that looks a lot like the other guy you let go with more mobility sam Howell is just a slightly improved version of Cooper Rush Imagine him with all the number ones I can I can imagine him with that talent he never really had in Washington and still look decent in Washington...

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Howell was free to go anywhere he wanted and no teams were really interested. Howell has more value in fans minds than he actually has. Nfl teams know there's no upside with him

That's your argument.....but just about every team has a backup QB that they ended up signing for cheap. Howell has shown he can play....you can just see that he understands the offense. Howell's game experience came on a very bad Commanders team. I think on a team with talent, he could certainly hold down the fort for a handful of games if needed. While Milton is improved, I think he still is a work in progress.

 

[big dog cowboy]

So if this is your plan why keep 2 crappy OTs on the 53? One sure, but 2? the other is perfect for the PS and call up if injury strikes. I mean who is claiming either of them and if they do, who cares. I wonder if one of our starters gets injured and Thomas fails or gets injured also if they would even start Shelton in a game even if they didn't want to move Tyler 73.

They aren't crappy. Guyton has looked really good this summer. You can't put Steele (a starting OT) on the PS. Please. You can't cut him because of his contract. Listen to Schotty not Jerry. He is the HC while Jerry likes to hear himself talk.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

They aren't crappy. Guyton has looked really good this summer. You can't put Steele (a starting OT) on the PS. Please. You can't cut him because of his contract. Listen to Schotty not Jerry. He is the HC while Jerry likes to hear himself talk.

He's talking about Shelton and Thomas as the crappy T's that haven't shown anything.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Maybe keep this guy.......

 

[big dog cowboy]

My thoughts as well on the OT. Thomas and Shelton have not shown anything that makes it feel like they should be on the 53. I think both probably would make it to the PS unless there is someone out there that really wanted Shelton. And I think there will be a vet out there that would be better than either to put on the 53.

Shelton will be on the 53. If he gets cut, some team likely picks him up. Do you want to spend a 4th on your future OT just for that to happen?

The plan for Shelton is for this to always be a red shirt year. Go read about his past and you will understand.