The Cowboys' second preseason game is in the books: a dominant win over the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas gave us plenty to talk about in this one, and it's brought some changes to our projected 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
A week ago, we released a projection following the win against the Seattle Seahawks. That one was based on the game but also the weeks of training camp leading up to it. Those all still matter today, but the final week of camp in Oxnard and this second game have brought some clarity to roster debates, either based on continued trends or new evidence.
Cowboys updated 53-man roster prediction after Week 2 of preseason
Quarterback (3) - Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III, Sam Howell
Milton certainly outshined Howell on Saturday night, but it's still too early to call their competition. The script could flip this Friday against the Saints, or the coaches may be putting more stock in camp practices, meetings, and other aspects of what goes into the job.
Still, regardless of who is named Prescott's backup, it feels like both will make the roster. Howell got a guaranteed contract for 2026, and he might not make it to the practice squad even if the Cowboys were willing to eat the $2.5 million.
Running back (4) - Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke
CHANGE: Added Davis, Cut Phil Mafah
At this point, it's about who Dallas can get to the practice squad. I don't think Davis would have a load of suitors, but it only takes one. And now that Israel Abanikanda has shown up, the Cowboys will probably try to get both him and Mafah to the p-squad. As similar players, it will sting less if one of them gets poached.
Wide receiver (6) - CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown
CHANGE: Added Mingo
Deciding between Brown and Mingo is getting tougher by the week, so why not just keep both? You could certainly use the extra traditional WR given Turpin's limitations. Yes, it means going long here and losing a roster spot elsewhere. But that spot isn't hard to find, especially with the change we're making to the TE group.
Tight end (3) - Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker
CHANGE: Removed Michael Trigg
Don't worry, Triggamaniacs, we're not risking your pet cat on the practice squad. The toe injury that's kept Trigg out the last week gives Dallas the opportunity to do a classic IR stash with the rookie and preserve his contract, much like they did with Mafah last year.
And with all of the new rules that allow for more flexibility in IR use, it doesn't necessarily mean he won't play at all in 2026. But for now, it protects the asset, opens up that spot for a sixth WR, and keeps Schoonmaker on as a more complete and useful depth piece.
Offensive tackle (4) - Tyler Guyton, Terence Steele, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton
We really hope this group changes before or after final cuts, hopefully with a veteran addition to improve the depth. But for now, this is the group. Shelton probably won't suit up most weeks, and is another rookie they'd probably love to find a way to stash on IR.
Guard/Center (5) - Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, T.J. Bass, Ajani Cornelius
CHANGE: Added Cornelius, Removed Nick Leverett
This isn't a knock on Leverett, who's had a great summer and deserves to make it. If they find a way to stash Shelton, then it will be to Leverett on the 53. But Leverett is 29 years old, so there's a good chance he'd be safe on the practice squad.
With Cornelius looking good in the move to guard, keeping him on the roster makes sense. Between he, Bass, and Thomas you have every spot on the line covered with a backup, which should be enough to get you through a game.
Defensive tackle (5) - Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, L.T. Overton, Tommy Dunn
CHANGE: Added Dunn, Removed Kelvin Gilliam
We're still going with the semi-controversial prediction that Jonathan Bullard gets cut, especially as Overton continues to show promise in a similar role.
As for bigger-bodied depth, we're switching from Gilliam to Dunn after Gilliam's release and another solid outing for Dunn in Arizona. The Kansas product is consistently standing out and is a natural backup to guys like Williams and Ogbonnia.
Outside Linebacker (5) - Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, Von Miller, James Houston
Sticking with this group for another week. There's rising chatter about Marist Liufau given his versatility and special teams value, but the math just doesn't work. Adding Miller killed his and Sam Williams' chances.
Inside linebacker (5) - DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, Shemar James, Justin Barron
Again, no changes from last week. If anything, Barham may be putting Winters on the bench before long. But unless Barron has been abysmal in the practices we don't see, he seems locked in now to a spot. You can also afford to go a little short here with Markquese Bell being retained at safety, given his ILB experience.
Cornerback (5) - DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson, Devin Moore
There are some really tough cuts here with guys like Reddy Steward and Ameer Speed, but that's life in the NFL. I could see Carson getting dumped for one of them, but just not ready to pull that trigger yet. We'll see how the Saints game goes.
Safety (5) - Jalen Thompson, Caleb Downs, P.J. Locke, Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell
CHANGE: Added Bell, Removed Alijah Clark
Bell was a healthy scratch in Arizona, which generally means that he's making the team. I still think there's a chance that he was held out to avoid injury and stay tradable, perhaps dangling him in front of Dan Quinn in Washington.
But for now, we have to go with the likeliest outcome. The extra depth at ILB and his special teams experience are reasons to hang on to Bell, too.
Specialists (3) - Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg
You already knew.
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