Is “Bazooka” Joe Milton the next big thing for the Cowboys?

July 27, 2025: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton is creating a name for himself at training camp in Oxnard by throwing the ball hard and showing remarkable athleticism. Coaches Brian Schottenheimer and Steve Shimko have been impressed with the second-year prospect, who was traded from New England not long ago. They have helped him get used to the Cowboys’ scheme.

Milton, who is affectionately known as “Bazooka Joe,” concedes that it takes time to learn the new words, just like it does to learn how to play a new video game. But there is no denying that he has made progress, with his performance having “more ups than downs.” Milton is clearly ahead of Trey Lance, who was the Cowboys’ prior quarterback experiment. This makes him a good backup for the Dak Prescott-led offense. But the real test will be this Sunday when the pads go on.

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Cowboys Notebook: Things that went well and things that went wrong at camp Aside from Milton’s surge, here’s what else people are talking about from Saturday’s practice in Oxnard:

Jerry Jones’s Reception: Before practice, Jerry Jones spoke to a large crowd. Some people cheered, some booed, and some chanted “Sign Micah.”

Parsons’ Hold-In Goes On: Micah Parsons is still a “hold-in” because his back hurts. He is waiting for his expected $40 million-plus annual contract. He was on the field in sneakers, but he wasn’t truly participating.

Elam’s Impact: Even though there were doubts at first, Kaiir Elam, another recent trade acquisition from the Buffalo Bills, is impressing. He has the “first-round pedigree” because he has two interceptions in four practices. On Saturday, after picking off Prescott, he even replicated a scene from “The Lion King” by lifting a 4-year-old fan into the air, which made the audience go wild.

Right tackle Terrence Steele (ankle) is out, so the offensive line has to move around a bit. Tyler Booker, the first-round pick who was supposed to be a plug-and-play starter at right guard, was relegated to the second squad. Robert Jones, a veteran newcomer, took his place. This is probably simply part of the “shuffling” that is going on.

Updates on injuries: Parris Campbell, a wide receiver, left practice on Saturday with an injury to his lower leg. DaRon Bland, a cornerback, and Kenneth Murray, a linebacker, didn’t go to practice because their wives were having babies.

Returners and Tight End Talent: John Stephens Jr. made his first appearance after tearing his ACL and even received a snap with the first-team offense. This is further good news for the Cowboys’ tight ends this week, particularly Luke Schoonmaker, who is trying to save his spot on the second team.

Revel Jr. Close to Return: Rookie third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. donned a helmet on Saturday, which suggests that he will soon be back from the NFI list and the rehab group.

Play of the Day: Rookie running back Jaydon Blue, who is known for his ability to catch passes at Texas, had the best play of the day by diving to catch one.