Two games into the preseason, it’s time for another Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster projection. Later this week, it will be time for a final prediction and actual cuts on Sunday. Let’s cut the small talk and dive right in.

Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2026 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2026 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (2)

IN: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton
OUT: Sam Howell

What changed: Milton did enough to position himself as the unquestionable QB2. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer hasn’t made it official, but Milton looked vastly better on Saturday night, completing 9-of-13 attempts for 179 yards, and two touchdowns.

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Running back (4)

IN: Javonte Williams, Hunter Luepke (FB), Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis
OUT: Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda, Jashaun Corbin

What changed: Phil Mafah went from being on a “tight battle” for RB2 (Schottenheimer’s words) to getting one attempt on Saturday’s game. Sure, it was a 15-yard touchdown, but Mafah is officially on the outside looking in based on his usage.

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Wide receiver (6)

IN: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Camden Brown**, Jonathan Mingo
OUT: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Anthony Smith*, Jordan Hudson**, Tyler Johnson, Denzel Mims, Jaden Smith

What changed: Mingo and Brown keep making plays and I doubt the Cowboys move on from either. There’s serious risk of losing Brown if you waive him. Meanwhile, Mingo keeps showing up on offense and special teams.

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Tight end (3)

IN: Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker
OUT: Michael Trigg**, Zack Kuntz, DJ Rogers**

What changed: I’m speculating here but Trigg not playing due to a toe injury opens the door for him to go on Injured Reserve as a stash. It’s starting to feel like the undrafted rookie won’t be on the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, you’ve got to give it up for Luke Schoonmaker, who has looked solid in the preseason.

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Offensive line (10)

IN: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, T.J. Bass, Ajani Cornelius, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton*, Nick Leverrett
OUT: Marcellus Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Sidney Fugar**, Shiyazh Pete**, DJ Wingfield**, Chris Glaser, Sebastian Gutierrez

What changed: Nick Leverrett played very well at center in Arizona and even got a shoutout from Schottenheimer in the postgame press conference. That matters as it could allow Bass to focus on playing guard and guard only. I don’t think he’s cut.

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EDGE / Outside linebacker (6)

IN: Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence*, James Houston, Von Miller, Sam Williams
OUT: Isaiah Land, Tyrus Wheat, Marist Liufau

What changed: Six outside linebackers might be a lot but I think the Cowboys wind up going long here as defensive coordintor Chrisitian Parker looks for versatility. Williams might be a healthy scratch in Week 1, but I’ve got him making it over Liufau, who still has a chance because of special teams but I don’t see him contributing on defense.

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Defensive tackle (5)

IN: Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, Otito Ogbonnia, Jay Toia, LT Overton*
OUT: Adeyayo Odeleye, Jonathan Bullard, Kevin Gilliam**, Tommy Dunn Jr.**

What changed: Same projection as last week. Jay Toia had another big preseason game and until we find out more about the health of Jonathan Bullard, I’ve got him making the team.

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Inside linebacker (4)

IN: DeMarvion Overshown, Jaishawn Barham*, Shemar James, Dee Winters
OUT: Justin Barron, Langston Patterson**, Curtis Robinson

What changed: Last week, I had Justin Barron making the team but now I don’t. I’ve liked how he’s played but the roster numbers game is forcing me to go short at linebacker.

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Cornerback (5)

IN: DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., Devin Moore*, Caelen Carson
OUT: Ameer Speed, Derion Kendrick, Trikweze Bridges, Reddy Steward, Josh Butler

What changed: Caelen Carson didn’t start in Week 2, opening the door for a change here. You could go with Ameer Speed here, too. But I’ve got Carson for now. Could they go with four cornerbacks knowing safety Caleb Downs is playing some nickel?

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Safety (5)

IN: Caleb Downs*, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell
OUT: Julius Wood, Alijah Clark, Zion Childress

What changed: Wood is the fan favorite but Bell sat for Saturday’s game, which strongly suggests he’s safe. That may be a surprise for some (myself included) but the Cowboys like the player they signed to a three-year extension last year.

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Specialists (3)

IN: Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS)

What changed: Nothing.