Sam Howell’s first start for the Dallas Cowboys ended in a win and gave the coaching staff an early, extended look at a player competing to be Dak Prescott’s primary backup this season. While Prescott remains firmly established as the starter, Howell is using every preseason rep and practice snap to strengthen his case for the No. 2 role on the depth chart.
Howell arrived in Dallas with starting experience from earlier in his career, and that background has been evident in his command of the huddle and comfort operating a pro offense. In his first start with the Cowboys, he showed poise at the line of scrimmage, an ability to get the ball out on time, and a willingness to push throws into tight windows when the play design called for it. Coaches and teammates have emphasized his preparation and understanding of protections, traits that are critical for a quarterback expected to step in on short notice.
The competition behind Prescott is an important subplot for Dallas. The coaching staff wants reliability and continuity at the position, particularly in an offense built around timing and reads. Howell’s performance in his first start helped reinforce the belief that he can run the system efficiently, manage the game, and make plays when needed. His decision-making and ball security will continue to be evaluated through practices, joint sessions, and additional game action, but the early return from his first outing has been positive for his case.
Howell’s presence also gives the Cowboys flexibility in how they construct the quarterback room. With an established starter in Prescott, the staff can focus on developing Howell’s strengths while fine-tuning details such as footwork, route timing with receivers, and situational awareness in two-minute and red zone scenarios. The win in his first start is only one data point, yet it serves as a useful benchmark as the team assesses where he stands now and what his trajectory might look like as the season approaches.
Elsewhere in the league, safety P.J. Locke’s connection to new defensive coordinator Christian Parker has drawn attention as teams shuffle coaching staffs and personnel. Locke has previously worked with Parker, and that familiarity can matter in the implementation of a defensive scheme. A player who understands the terminology, techniques, and expectations of a coordinator can often help smooth the transition for new teammates, translating concepts on the field and in the meeting room.
Parker’s systems have typically emphasized communication, versatility in the secondary, and disciplined coverage principles. Locke’s experience in that environment can be especially valuable in helping align the back end of the defense, ensuring everyone is on the same page with checks and adjustments. While the full impact of their reunion will play out over time, the existing trust between player and coach provides a foundation for a defense looking to establish its identity under new leadership.
Another developing storyline involves defensive back Cobie Durant, who is working to secure and expand his role in his team’s secondary. Durant has shown flashes of his ability in coverage and has been used in a variety of alignments, including in the slot and on the outside. His versatility and ball skills make him a candidate to see increased snaps, particularly in sub-packages where defenses need multiple defensive backs who can match up across formations.
Durant’s growth will depend on consistency in technique, tackling, and understanding of route combinations at the professional level. Coaches generally look for young defensive backs to pair their athleticism with disciplined eyes and communication, especially when opponents use motion and stacked looks to create confusion. As with Howell and Locke, Durant’s situation underscores how individual development, scheme familiarity, and role clarity all factor into how NFL teams build and adjust their rosters throughout the year.
Taken together, these storylines reflect different facets of roster building in the NFL. For the Cowboys, Howell’s first start offers optimism about their depth behind Dak Prescott. For Locke and Parker, an existing relationship could help accelerate a defensive transition. And for Durant, continued development could translate into a larger role. Each case will continue to unfold as teams move through offseason work, preseason practices, and into the regular season, shaping how coaches deploy their personnel when games begin to count.
