Sarah Jane Ramos Reveals Why Cowboys Turned to Joe Milton Over Dak Prescott: Injury, Timing and Team Strategy Explained
FRISCO, TX — When the Dallas Cowboys turned to Joe Milton under center instead of star quarterback Dak Prescott, fans were left stunned. Was it injury? Strategy? Something more? Veteran NFL reporter Sarah Jane Ramos has now shed light on the situation, offering what insiders are calling the clearest explanation yet for one of the biggest quarterback decisions of the Cowboys’ season.
According to Ramos, Prescott’s absence wasn’t simply a matter of sitting a game — it came down to a combination of ongoing injury management, timing concerns, and a greater long-term offensive plan that Dallas’s coaching staff believes could pay dividends down the stretch.
Managing Dak’s Health: Not a One-Game “Sit”
Prescott has battled various injuries this season, including lingering issues in his throwing shoulder and rib area. While he has started most of the team’s games, Ramos says that Cowboys medical staff and head coach Mike McCarthy became increasingly cautious as Prescott began experiencing discomfort that could risk more serious damage.
Ramos noted that Dallas did not want to repeat past seasons where Prescott was forced to play through significant pain, only to need extended time on injured reserve afterward. The priority, the report says, was long-term availability over short-term performance — especially as Dallas eyes a playoff push.
“We’re not talking about Prescott simply being benched for performance,” Ramos said. “This was a calculated decision based on medical feedback, the Cowboys’ depth chart, and confidence in their backup.”
Joe Milton: A Calculated Opportunity
The decision to go with Joe Milton was not random or reactive, Ramos explained. The coaching staff has reportedly been impressed with Milton’s practice performance and leadership qualities. While he entered the season as a developmental backup, Milton’s growth throughout training camp and in practice sessions earned him increased trust.
The Cowboys viewed the situation with Milton as a live audition, not just a “let’s see what happens” moment. Ramos says Dallas believes Milton’s skill set — a big arm, athletic mobility, and poise in the pocket — could give the offense a different look that opponents might struggle to prepare for.
It’s worth noting that McCarthy’s offense has historically favored quarterbacks who are adaptable, confident under pressure, and comfortable making quick decisions at the line of scrimmage — areas where Milton showed improvement throughout the season.
The Cowboys’ Offensive Strategy Shift
Ramos’s reporting suggests that the decision also aligns with a broader strategic shift for Dallas’s offense. With receivers and tight ends more comfortable with quicker reads and a faster pace of play, the coaching staff believed Milton could better facilitate certain concepts in short-to-intermediate routes — especially against defenses loaded with speed and blitz packages.
While Prescott remains the team’s leader and long-range starter, the Cowboys saw an opportunity to diversify their offensive identity. By inserting Milton, coaches hoped to challenge opponents with a different tempo and set of strengths, forcing defensive coordinators to adjust on the fly.
Prescott’s Mental Game and Leadership
Despite the change under center, Ramos emphasized that Prescott’s role within the team did not diminish. Teammates have repeatedly praised Prescott for maintaining leadership and positive influence in the locker room. Far from sulking or becoming disengaged, Prescott reportedly embraced Milton’s opportunity and continued to mentor him during practice sessions.
According to multiple sources, Prescott has been an anchor for the offense even when not playing — breaking down film with Milton, guiding younger receivers, and offering insights that could mitigate the transition during game time.
That level of professionalism has kept the locker room united, and Ramos points out that maintaining internal cohesion was a critical priority for the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
How Fans Reacted
Social media reactions were swift and passionate. Cowboys fans split into several camps:
Team-first supporters praised the coaching decision as smart and forward-thinking.
Prescott loyalists expressed frustration and concern about his absence during key moments.
Milton optimists celebrated his opportunity, pointing to flashes of playmaking ability.
The mixed reaction underscores the emotional weight of quarterback decisions in an NFL city as passionate as Dallas.
What This Means for the Cowboys’ Season
Looking ahead, Ramos noted that Prescott remains the Cowboys’ starter when healthy. The
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