Cowboys QB2 Battle Heats Up, Seahawks' Horton Injured

NFL teams face QB depth challenges and injury concerns as the season approaches

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting various football-related elements, such as players, equipment, and field markings, all broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, capturing the complexity and dynamism of the NFL's offseason.A cubist interpretation of the NFL's offseason challenges, from quarterback battles to injury concerns and labor negotiations.Seattle Today

The NFL offseason is in full swing, with several key storylines emerging. In Dallas, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has announced a quarterback battle between Sam Howell and Joe Milton for the backup role behind star QB Dak Prescott. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are dealing with an injury to wide receiver Tory Horton, who is expected to miss the start of training camp. The league's labor negotiations with game officials are also making headlines, as the two sides work to reach a new deal.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' QB2 battle is crucial, as the backup quarterback position has been vital to the team's recent success. The Seahawks' injury to Horton is concerning, as the young receiver missed significant time last season. And the NFL's negotiations with officials could impact the integrity and fairness of the game if an agreement is not reached.

The details

In Dallas, Schottenheimer has said the QB2 job is wide open, with Howell and Milton competing for the role behind Prescott. Both young quarterbacks will have the opportunity to prove themselves during the offseason program and training camp. In Seattle, Horton is dealing with a shin injury that will keep him out of spring activities, but the team expects him to be ready for training camp in July. The NFL and its game officials are also in the midst of contract negotiations, with the league offering a six-year deal with a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation. However, the NFL Referees Association is seeking a 10% increase plus $2.5 million for marketing fees, and has resisted changes such as deploying underperforming officials to spring leagues.

  • The Cowboys' QB2 battle will play out during the offseason program and training camp.
  • Tory Horton is expected to miss the start of Seahawks training camp in July due to his shin injury.
  • The NFL and its game officials have until the start of the 2026 season to reach a new labor agreement.

The players

Brian Schottenheimer

Head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who has announced a QB2 battle between Sam Howell and Joe Milton.

Sam Howell

Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, competing for the backup role behind Dak Prescott.

Joe Milton

Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, competing for the backup role behind Dak Prescott.

Tory Horton

Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, who is dealing with a shin injury that will keep him out of spring activities.

Mike Macdonald

Head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who provided an update on Tory Horton's injury status.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must see how Sam and Joe perform during the offseason and training camp, but both will have a fair shot at the QB2 job.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

“Tory won't be fully recovered for the spring, but we expect him to be ready for training camp in July.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks

What’s next

The Cowboys' QB2 battle will continue to be a focus throughout the offseason, with Howell and Milton vying for the backup role behind Prescott. The Seahawks will monitor Horton's recovery and hope he can return to full strength by the start of training camp. The NFL and its game officials will also work to reach a new labor agreement before the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The NFL offseason is filled with intriguing storylines, from quarterback competitions to injury concerns and labor negotiations. These challenges highlight the depth and complexity of managing a professional football team, as coaches and executives work to build a winning roster and maintain the integrity of the game.