The Dallas Cowboys are always in the headlines, whether for NFL preseason contests or potential contract issues (case in point: defensive end Micah Parsons).
On Friday, Aug. 22, though, the Cowboys will focus on who makes the 53-man roster. Dallas will host the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will air locally in Dallas and on NFL Network, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. E.T.
First-year Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer gets his final look at players trying to earn a roster spot or hold onto one. Will Dallas have its starters out there against quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons?
Are Dak Prescott and Other Cowboys Starters Playing Against Atlanta Tonight?
As has been the case in the Cowboys’ first two preseason games, starting quarterback Dak Prescott has not played a snap. Don’t expect that to change on Friday night.
Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens also have been sidelined. For Dallas fans hoping to see the first-teamers on the field, it’s probably not going to happen. Why?
Jon Machota of The Athletic offered some insights into the Cowboys’ reasoning. “But it’s a combination of wanting top players to avoid injuries and not wanting to show the (Philadelphia) Eagles what the new coaching staff has been preparing,” Machota wrote.
“The other side of the argument is that not playing so many key starters could lead to a sloppy start to the season.” The Cowboys open the 2025 NFL season on the road against the Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 8:20 p.m. E.T.
Which Young Cowboys Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
Quarterback Joe Milton has not impressed in his preseason efforts. He was pegged to be Prescott’s backup this season, but there’s a danger he won’t make the cut. In two preseason starts, Milton has completed 26 of 47 passes for 265 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Milton has to show an ability to throw clean passes and not get stuck in the pocket against Atlanta.
Look for running back Jaydon Blue, who played his college ball at the University of Texas, to get his first preseason start. Blue has missed two weeks of Cowboys’ practices due to an ankle injury, but he’s back and ready to go.
Additionally, look for rookie running back Phil Mafah, a seventh-round selection, to get some carries. Mafah is in a battle with Miles Sanders for one of the remaining running back spots in Dallas.
