On Saturday night, the Dallas Cowboys went head-to-head with the Los Angeles Rams for their first set of preseason action.

As expected, Dallas’ franchise passer Dak Prescott was sidelined for the matchup, leaving Joe Milton to start for the Cowboys.

Throughout training camp, Milton has generated a lot of excitement, specifically for his deep throwing power. The quarterback went viral while showing off his arm strength just days before the preseason opener out in Los Angeles.

Milton’s first action with the Cowboys was up and down, for the most part. Unfortunately, it ended on a low note. Milton was sidelined with a setback later in the game. He appeared to have an elbow injury.

Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass during Day 12 of Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at Staybridge Suites Oxnard on August 07, 2025 in Oxnard, California. Luke Hales/Getty Images

After the game, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the setback, telling reporters that Milton’s injury doesn’t seem severe based on the initial tests.

via @johnmachota: Cowboys QB Joe Milton injured his elbow late in Saturday’s preseason opener. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said initial tests show that “he’ll be OK.”

Prior to his injury, Milton threw 29 passes against the Rams. He completed 17 of those throws, averaging just 4.9 yards per completion. Milton threw for a touchdown but also tossed an interception.

Will Grier managed to back up Milton on Saturday night. He threw for 14 yards off two completions. The Cowboys ended up coming up short with a 31-21 loss.

Milton landed in Dallas with a lot of hype behind his name. In 2018, the quarterback attended Michigan, firing up a three-year run with the Wolverines. In 2021, he moved to Tennessee for a three-season run with the Volunteers. Milton wasn’t a full-time starter until his final season in 2023. He achieved an 8-4 record, totaling 2,769 yards, and throwing for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The New England Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in one game last season. Milton completed 76 percent of his passes for 241 yards and one touchdown. The Cowboys acquired Milton and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.It’s clear Milton is the favorite to be Dak Prescott’s backup in 2025. The team hopes the injury isn’t anything that will take him out of the mix moving forward.

So far, all seems to be trending in the right direction for Milton and the Cowboys. Next Saturday, the Cowboys will be at home to host the Batimore Ravens. Milton’s status is currently up in the air.