The Dallas Cowboys are heading west for their second preseason contest of 2026, traveling to Glendale, Arizona, to play the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 9 p.m. PT. The game provides another opportunity for coaches to evaluate depth players and for rookies to make a case for a roster spot before the regular season begins.
Key players and roster battles
As was the case in the Cowboys’ first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, most starters are expected to sit for the Arizona matchup. The focus remains on developing talent rather than the final score. Rookie wide receiver Camden Brown has emerged as a camp standout, recording two touchdown receptions against Seattle. Brown is competing for a spot in a receiving corps that includes established names such as CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
First‑round pick quarterback Caleb Downs continues to show growth in the quarterback room, while veteran receivers George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy are working to regain form after offseason injuries. On defense, the Cowboys have added former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Von Miller, a move that could influence future trade decisions, though owner‑GM Jerry Jones has not ruled out further roster moves.
Defensive developments
Defensive end Quinnen Williams received a contract extension, signaling the team’s confidence in its new‑look defense under coordinator Christian Parker. The unit is still ironing out issues, particularly at the tackle positions where Tyler Guyton (left tackle) and Terrence Steele (right tackle) have faced challenges in practice.
The Cowboys also endured a $500,000 fine after a scuffle broke out during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, a reminder that discipline remains a priority as the team prepares for its final preseason game against the Saints next week.
Cardinals outlook
The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 season with a 3‑14 record, the league’s worst performance, and selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. Love suffered an ankle sprain in the Cardinals’ first preseason game and may miss Saturday’s contest.
Arizona also introduced a new head coach and a new starting quarterback after trading former starter Kyler Murray to the Minnesota Vikings. The Cardinals will look to improve on a 27‑17 victory over Dallas in Arlington last season.
Upcoming schedule
After the Arizona game, the Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints in their final preseason matchup before the regular season. The regular‑season opener against the New York Giants is set for Sept. 13 at MetLife Stadium on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Dallas will meet the Cardinals again in Arlington on Nov. 1 during Week 8 of the NFL season.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
