The Dallas Cowboys have officially wrapped up the 2026 preseason, and now all eyes are on the regular season. But before we get there, the Cowboys will have to cut their roster down from 90 players to 53 and will need to do so before the 6:00 PM ET deadline on Sunday evening.
There are a handful of players who have improved their stock coming out of Week 3 of the preseason, but there are a few others who might have lost the opportunity to make the initial roster. So, without further ado, here are the biggest winners and losers from the final preseason game of the year:
Biggest Cowboys winners and losers from preseason finale
Winner: Jonathan Mingo - WR
How can you have a winner for a player who didn’t play in Week 3? Well, it sure seems like Jonathan Mingo has made the 53-man roster, and the Cowboys didn’t want to jeopardize him in a meaningless preseason game.
His main competitor, Camden Brown, played well into the second quarter and had a key drop on a relatively routine play. While that doesn’t mean Brown won’t make the roster, it sure seems like Mingo is a lock to be on this team in 2026.
Winner: Jordan Hudson - WR
It’s been a quiet preseason for Jordan Hudson, but he decided to save his best for last. Hudson hauled in an impressive 52-yard bomb by Sam Howell. And on the very next play, Hudson caught a touchdown on a beautiful route to the back pylon.
He had his two best plays of the preseason on back-to-back plays. It’s also worth mentioning that on the very next play after his touchdown, he made a tackle on the kickoff unit.
For a player who has had a disappointing preseason, it was really cool to see him put together those plays to get Dallas back into the game. While it’s too late for him to crack the 53-man roster, it was a strong showing, and he should earn some interest across the NFL.
Look for the Cowboys to try to bring him back to the practice squad, especially after his strong Friday night.
Loser: Michael Trigg - TE
We need to give Trigg some credit for playing through a toe injury, but this was a night to forget for Trigg. On the first drive of the game, Joe Milton threw a bullet that hit Trigg in both of his hands. Terrell Burgess was able to rip it out, and that ended that drive.
On the final drive of the half, Milton found Trigg again on a broken play, but the former Baylor tight end was unable to haul in a very routine pass. For a player who is competing for a spot on the 53-man roster, it was a half to forget for Trigg.
At this point, it seems like he is destined to make the practice squad as he still needs a lot of development.
Loser: Caelen Carson - CB
The Cowboys have been searching for one more viable cornerback after Daron Bland, Shavon Revel, and Cobie Durant, but they have yet to find one after three preseason games. Devin Moore still looks pretty raw, and Caelen Carson just hasn’t developed at all.
Carson was called for illegal contact on a critical third down, and then one play later, he was unable to get off a block on a touchdown run. Carson has talent, but there is just no way he is ready to be the No. 4 cornerback in Dallas.
Expect the Cowboys to waive the former fifth-round pick with the hopes that he can make it back to the practice squad.
Loser: Sam Williams - EDGE
It’s not a great sign that Sam Williams was playing late into the second half, but what is worse is that he was struggling. Williams was a real issue against the run and missed two tackles that led to big runs.
To his credit, he did make a big sack in the fourth quarter to get the Cowboys off the field, but it was late in the game against a practice squad-caliber offensive tackle
Williams is still incredibly talented and athletic, but at some point, he needs to develop. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys decide to wash their hands of this situation and move on this weekend. It just hasn’t worked out in Dallas so far.
Winner: Sam Howell - QB
It remains to be seen who the QB2 will be for Dallas, but Sam Howell played well in the second half against the Saints, including throwing two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Howell hasn't had as many "WOW" plays as Milton, but he's consistently run the offense and hasn't looked overwhelmed. The safe bet is to assume all three make the roster, but don't be shocked if Howell ends up being the QB2 when it's all said and done.
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