Two weeks into the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason, there’s still much to be figured out ahead of roster cuts at the end of the month. But so far, we’ve learned enough to put together an educated projection of what the team will look like.

But first, a few notes: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2025 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2025 undrafted free agents. Some players aren’t projected “cuts” but rather injured players. The specific lists they’re projected to be placed in are in parentheses.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Will Grier
OUT: None

Though Milton’s struggles are likely to cost him the QB2 gig in the immediate future, don’t expect the Cowboys to give up on him as a developmental player. The Dallas front office will carry three quarterbacks on the 53 if needed. Since Milton is not game-ready, it is.

Running back (4)

IN: Javonte Williams, Hunter Luepke (FB), Jaydon Blue*, Phil Mafah*
OUT: Deuce Vaughn, Miles Sanders

This position will be a gauge of how much of a risk-taker Brian Schottenheimer is. Is he willing to go into the regular season with only one veteran running back? The Cowboys won’t cut Jaydon Blue despite him not playing preseason snaps yet (heel injury). And with the way seventh-round rookie Phil Mafah has played so far, they can’t afford to lose him either. That means Miles Sanders and Deuce Vaughn could be out of the picture.

Wide receiver (5)

IN: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin
OUT: Jonathan Mingo (Injured Reserve), Traeshon Holden**, Jalen Cropper, Josh Kelly**, Jalen Brooks

Mingo’s feared PCL injury shakes things up here since I now expect him to start the season on Injured Reserve. As for rookie UDFA Traeshon Holden, I’m not so sure the Cowboys are willing to use a roster spot on him. Even after a strong preseason opener, the former Oregon Duck barely got on the field last Saturday. I’ll give the last spot to second-year receiver Ryan Flournoy for now, but this is a volatile position.

Tight end (3)

IN: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
OUT: Princeton Fant, Tyler Neville**, Rivaldo Fairweather**, John Stephens Jr.

I’m taking Schottenheimer at his word. If it’s true fullback Hunter Luepke will also play at tight end, then the Cowboys should be comfortable carrying only three at this position.

Offensive line (10)

IN: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker*, Terence Steele, Brock Hoffman, Nate Thomas, Asim Richards, T.J. Bass, Ajani Cornelius*
OUT: Geron Christian, La’el Collins, Hakeem Adeniji, Saahdiq Charles, Rob Jones (Injured Reserve)

This is a tough one to put together because Adeniji and Charles have had some highs and lows through two preseason games, but I’m leaning toward the younger players on this one. Tyler Guyton has a chance to play Week 1, so no IR for him since that would require him to miss four games.

Defensive tackle (5)

IN: Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Mazi Smith, Jay Toia*, Perrion Winfrey
OUT: Denzel Daxon, Earnest Brown IV, Tommy Akingbesote*

Perrion Winfrey has been one of the biggest winners from the Cowboys’ preseason, and he’s been rewarded for it here. Based on how the DTs have played through two preseason games, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a new name on the team by the time cuts are done.

Defensive end / EDGE (5)

IN: Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku*
OUT: Payton Turner, Tyrus Wheat, James Houston

Cutting James Houston hurts, but the math game is hard when putting together a 53-man roster. The Cowboys are already talented at the position, so carrying six makes little sense. This is a solid group, and it should have no problem getting after the quarterback. Run defense is a question.

Linebacker (5)

IN: Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, Damone Clark, Shemar James*
OUT: DeMarvion Overshown (PUP), Darius Harris, Buddy Johnson, Justin Barron**

Overshown isn’t expected to be back until at least Week 13, but the Cowboys have talent at linebacker. Jack Sanborn appears to be locked in as a starter, and after watching Marist Liufau light it up in the preseason opener, he will be tough to keep off the field. Fifth-round rookie Shemar James showed flashes of promise, and even if he’s not ready yet, there’s no way Dallas cuts him.

Cornerback (5)

IN: DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam, Caelen Carson, Troy Pride Jr., Zion Childress**
OUT: Trevon Diggs (PUP), Shavon Revel Jr. (Injured / NFI), Josh Butler (PUP), Kemon Hall, Robert Rochell, Andrew Booth, Bruce Harmon**, Matthew Christian, Israel Mukuamu

Cornerback is a mess for the Cowboys, largely because of the injury bug. This is the least confident I am in any of my projections, but assuming Caelen Carson avoids IR, this looks like a good guess. Pride Jr. has been getting play at outside cornerback, and undrafted rookie Zion Childress could very well start Week 1 at nickel.

Safety (4)

IN: Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell
OUT: Alijah Clark**, Mike Smith**

This is a solid group, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys shake things up by carrying a UDFA rookie. But in this case, they stay put with their four experienced players.

Specialists (4)

IN: Bryan Anger (P), Brandon Aubrey (K), Trent Sieg (LS), C.J. Goodwin (ace)
OUT: None

No surprises here. C.J. Goodwin has been a standout in training camp, per special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen, so I don’t expect the specialist to be out of the picture despite a new coaching staff.

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