The New Orleans Saints closed the 2026 preseason with a dramatic 27–24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys as Daniel Carlson’s 53-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining settled a competitive finale in Arlington.
Saints Finish Preseason on a High
The New Orleans Saints ended their 2026 preseason campaign with a statement 27–24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Friday night. The game featured several momentum swings, but it was New Orleans that produced the decisive play when newly acquired kicker Daniel Carlson drilled a 53-yard field goal with just 1:55 remaining.
Neither team used its regular starters, turning the matchup into an important final audition for players fighting for roster spots. For the Saints, the victory also provided an encouraging finish to a preseason that had started with two defeats. New Orleans finished 1–2, while Dallas ended its preseason 2–1.
Rattler Gives Saints Early Momentum
Spencer Rattler received the starting quarterback assignment for New Orleans and made the most of his opportunity. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 79 yards and helped guide the Saints to three scoring drives during his time on the field.
Rattler’s biggest moment came on the ground. He finished an eight-yard touchdown run to cap an impressive first-half performance and helped New Orleans take a 17–9 advantage into halftime. The Saints also received an early scoring contribution from Barion Brown, who found the end zone on a seven-yard rushing play.
The Saints’ ground attack was particularly effective. New Orleans finished with 169 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, while Dallas managed only 91 rushing yards. Audric Estime led the Saints with 46 yards on four carries, including a 33-yard burst, while Kendre Miller added 42 yards on nine attempts.
Zach Wilson Delivers When It Mattered
Zach Wilson took over at quarterback to begin the second half and continued the Saints’ offensive momentum. He completed 9 of 12 passes for 93 yards and helped New Orleans put together an eight-play, 64-yard touchdown drive on its opening possession of the third quarter.
Wilson later helped engineer the possession that ultimately decided the game. After Dallas had fought back to tie the contest, the Saints moved 44 yards on eight plays, putting Carlson within range for the decisive field goal.
For a quarterback competing for a role on the Saints’ roster, it was an important finish. Rattler and Wilson combined to complete 17 of 22 passes for 172 yards, giving New Orleans plenty to consider before final roster decisions.
Cowboys Rally After Falling Behind
Dallas refused to let the game slip away despite trailing for much of the contest. Joe Milton started at quarterback but struggled to reproduce the efficiency he had shown earlier in the preseason. He completed 53.3% of his passes for 92 yards without a touchdown.
Sam Howell then provided the spark Dallas needed. Taking over in the second half, Howell completed 66.7% of his throws for 155 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Cowboys erase a 24–9 deficit and tie the game late in the fourth quarter.
Dallas finished with 328 total yards, narrowly ahead of New Orleans’ 326. The Cowboys also showed enough offensive fight in the second half to turn what looked like a comfortable Saints victory into a dramatic finish.
Carlson Becomes the Difference-Maker
The biggest individual moment of the night belonged to Daniel Carlson. Making his Saints debut after joining the team earlier in the week, the veteran kicker connected on both of his field-goal attempts, including the crucial 53-yarder that put New Orleans ahead 27–24 with 1:55 remaining.
The late kick proved decisive. Dallas had one final opportunity, but the Cowboys could not generate the drive needed to respond, allowing New Orleans to escape with the victory.
Carlson’s performance could also prove significant beyond this game as the Saints evaluate their special-teams situation heading into the regular season.
What the Game Means for Both Teams
For New Orleans, the preseason finale provided several encouraging signs. The rushing attack was productive, the offense avoided turnovers and both Rattler and Wilson delivered efficient performances. The Saints also showed composure after Dallas erased their lead late in the game.
There were still questions, particularly in pass defense, but the overall performance gave head coach Kellen Moore a positive final evaluation opportunity before the roster deadline. The Saints now turn their attention to the regular season, opening against the Detroit Lions on September 13.
For Dallas, the 27–24 defeat ended an otherwise encouraging preseason at 2–1. The Cowboys’ comeback demonstrated depth and resilience, particularly from Howell, but the final game also highlighted several roster decisions that coaching staff must settle before the regular season begins.
Ultimately, the Saints were the team that made the final play. Carlson’s long-range kick provided the difference in a game that had become a genuine fourth-quarter battle, giving New Orleans momentum heading into the regular season.
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 27, Dallas Cowboys 24
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Date: August 28, 2026
Competition: NFL Preseason Week 3
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Match Preview
The New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys close the 2026 preseason Friday night with very different records but a similar objective: make the final evaluations before the roster is cut to 53 players.
The Cowboys enter the game 2-0 after preseason wins, while the Saints are still searching for their first victory following an 0-2 start. But the Saints vs Cowboys preseason finale at AT&T Stadium is unlikely to be defined by the records alone.
For New Orleans, the game is a chance to respond after a difficult 34-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and give younger players one final opportunity to prove they belong. Dallas, meanwhile, will look to complete an unbeaten preseason while continuing to evaluate a roster that head coach Brian Schottenheimer believes has improved in depth and overall talent during training camp.
There is also a little extra history heading into Friday night.
The two teams held a joint practice earlier in training camp, and the competitive session became heated enough that both clubs were later fined by the NFL after multiple altercations. That does not turn Friday’s contest into a regular-season rivalry game, but it adds another layer of intrigue to a preseason finale already carrying significant consequences for players fighting for roster spots.
Most of New Orleans’ established starters are expected to sit, with the Saints believing they accomplished what they needed to during joint practices and the first two preseason games. That means the spotlight will move toward quarterback Tyler Shough, the offensive line, young receivers, rookies and the players competing for the final positions on the roster.
For both teams, Friday night is less about September headlines and more about the players trying to ensure they are still in the building when September arrives.
Saints vs Cowboys Game Information
Game: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Preseason Week: Week 3
Saints preseason record: 0-2
Cowboys preseason record: 2-0
The Saints have confirmed the game will air locally on FOX 8 in New Orleans, with radio coverage on WWL 105.3 FM and 870 AM. Dallas also has local broadcast and radio coverage available through its official game information.
Saints vs Cowboys Odds
The Cowboys opened as approximately 2.5-point favorites, according to preseason betting reports, with the total initially listed around 38.5 points. As always with NFL preseason games, those numbers can move quickly as teams announce quarterback plans and player availability.
Early betting line:
- Spread: Cowboys -2.5
- Saints: +2.5
- Over/Under: 38.5
Preseason betting should always be approached differently from the regular season. The biggest factor is often not which team has more talent on paper, but which quarterback and which group of reserves will receive the most snaps.
That is particularly relevant here.
The Saints have announced that their established starters will sit, making the performances of Shough and the team’s younger players central to the game. Dallas’ approach to playing time will also be important when evaluating the line closer to kickoff.
The Biggest Storyline: Can the Saints Respond?
New Orleans enters the preseason finale looking for a response after one of the more difficult performances of its summer.
The Saints were shut out 34-0 by the Rams in their previous preseason game, exposing problems that the coaching staff will want to see corrected before the regular season.
The final score is not the only concern. New Orleans struggled to generate consistent offense, and the running game has been among the areas under evaluation. Through two preseason games, the Saints have averaged 10 points per game and 80.5 rushing yards, according to preseason analysis heading into the Dallas game.
Friday offers an opportunity to reset.
The Saints do not need to reveal a complete regular-season offense to have a successful night. The more important goals are cleaner execution, better situational football and stronger performances from the players competing for jobs.
Can the offensive line create running lanes? Can the quarterbacks keep the offense on schedule? Can the young receivers create separation and finish plays?
Those questions will matter more than whether New Orleans leaves Arlington with a preseason victory.
Still, after a 34-point shutout loss, a stronger offensive showing would give the Saints something positive to carry into Week 1.
Tyler Shough Takes Center Stage
With the Saints’ established starters sitting, quarterback Tyler Shough becomes one of the most important players to watch.
Shough had not appeared in the preseason before the final week, making Friday an important opportunity for him to get live-game work before the regular season. The Saints have indicated that he is expected to take the field for at least a few offensive series.
That makes his performance one of the defining storylines of the game.
The preseason finale is not about asking Shough to carry New Orleans for four quarters. Instead, the Saints will be looking for command.
Can he operate efficiently? Can he identify pressure? Can he get the offense into the right play and avoid unnecessary mistakes?
A few clean drives could be more meaningful than a large statistical performance.
After Shough leaves the game, the Saints’ other quarterbacks and offensive reserves will have their own opportunities. That should create a long night of evaluation for the coaching staff.
Cowboys Enter With Momentum
Dallas has taken care of business through the first two weeks of the preseason.
The Cowboys enter Friday at 2-0 and have shown enough during training camp for Schottenheimer to express confidence in the depth and overall talent of the roster.
Speaking after Dallas’ final training camp practice, Schottenheimer said the Cowboys had shed light on several important position battles and noted that he believed the team’s depth and talent had improved compared with the previous year.
That makes the preseason finale an opportunity to answer the final questions.
The Cowboys do not need every player to produce a highlight. They need clarity.
Which offensive linemen can be trusted as reserves? Which young defensive backs have earned a role? Which receivers and special-teams contributors provide enough value to survive the final cutdown?
Dallas has already built positive momentum with its 2-0 record, including a 34-13 victory over Arizona in its previous preseason game. The challenge now is determining whether that depth can produce one more consistent performance.
The Joint Practice Adds Another Angle
Preseason games rarely come with much emotional history.
This one may be different.
The Saints and Cowboys shared a joint practice earlier in August, and the session became notably physical. The two teams were ultimately fined after repeated fights disrupted the practice.
There is no reason to expect players or coaches to turn Friday’s game into another confrontation. Both organizations have much bigger priorities with the regular season approaching.
But the joint practice means these teams already know something about each other.
The Saints have seen Dallas’ personnel in close competition. The Cowboys have had opportunities to evaluate New Orleans’ players as well.
That familiarity could make the opening stages of the game more competitive, particularly for players who participated in the joint practices and now have another chance to face the same opponent.
Saints Offensive Line vs. Cowboys Defense
The most important football matchup could be decided in the trenches.
New Orleans struggled offensively against the Rams, and improving the running game and overall offensive consistency should be major priorities against Dallas.
The Cowboys’ defense has performed well during the preseason, and reports entering Friday placed Dallas among the stronger units in limiting opponents. That creates a difficult final test for the Saints’ young offensive players.
For Shough and the other Saints quarterbacks, pass protection will be essential.
A young quarterback needs time to operate, but the offensive line will also be evaluated on its ability to communicate and handle movement along the defensive front.
Watch for three specific areas:
- First-down rushing efficiency
- Third-down pass protection
- Penalties and missed assignments
A preseason offensive line can look effective until a defense creates confusion. Friday will give New Orleans one more opportunity to see which players can handle those moments.
Key Saints Players to Watch
Tyler Shough, Quarterback
Shough is the biggest name to watch for New Orleans.
His expected preseason debut comes at an important time, and the Saints will be looking for composure and command more than spectacular plays.
If he can lead efficient scoring drives and show sound decision-making, the Saints will have accomplished much of what they need from his appearance.
Jeremiah Wright, Offensive Guard
The rookie has an opportunity to make a final impression along the offensive line.
Wright has shown positive signs during preseason action and is expected to receive an important opportunity at right guard. With New Orleans still evaluating its offensive-line depth, his performance against Dallas could carry real significance.
Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, Wide Receivers
The Saints have several young receivers competing for opportunities.
Brown was rested during the second preseason game, while Lance has made positive contributions despite limited opportunities. Friday could provide another chance for both players to strengthen their cases.
For receivers near the bottom of the depth chart, production is only part of the evaluation. Blocking, route precision and special-teams contributions can all influence the final roster.
Christen Miller, Defensive Tackle
Miller returned to practice after an injury suffered earlier in the preseason and has impressed with his work against the run.
The Cowboys game gives him another opportunity to show that he can provide dependable depth along the defensive front.
Key Cowboys Players to Watch
The Young Defensive Secondary
Dallas has received strong defensive contributions from its secondary, with established players such as Malik Hooker and DaRon Bland providing experience while younger defensive backs continue to compete for roles.
Rookie Caleb Downs is among the young players who add intrigue to the group, and the preseason finale gives the Cowboys another opportunity to evaluate their depth before finalizing the roster.
The Cowboys will want to see disciplined coverage, clean communication and strong tackling against New Orleans’ rotating group of quarterbacks and receivers.
Dallas’ Offensive Depth
The Cowboys’ 2-0 record has been supported by contributions beyond the established starters.
Friday’s game should provide more opportunities for reserve offensive linemen, running backs and receivers to make a final impression.
With only one major roster cutdown before the regular season, the final preseason game carries more weight than it once did. Teams no longer have multiple rounds of cuts to gradually reduce their roster.
For some Dallas players, Friday could be the final game in which they have a chance to show the organization what they can do.
Special Teams: A Roster Battle Within the Game
One of the more interesting Saints storylines is the kicking competition.
New Orleans recently added veteran Daniel Carlson, a former All-Pro, creating an additional wrinkle ahead of the preseason finale. The Saints have specifically highlighted the competition as one of the developments surrounding the final week of camp.
Special teams could also determine several other roster spots.
Players fighting for positions at wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker can improve their chances by contributing on coverage units.
A preseason finale often produces extended special-teams snaps for roster-bubble players. Coaches will be watching tackling, lane discipline, blocking and decision-making.
Those plays rarely dominate the headlines, but they can influence the final 53-man roster.
What to Watch in Saints vs Cowboys
1. Tyler Shough’s First Preseason Action
How long will Shough play, and how efficiently can he operate the offense?
This is the biggest individual storyline for New Orleans.
2. Can the Saints Generate Offense?
After being shut out by the Rams, New Orleans needs a cleaner performance.
The goal should be consistency rather than forcing big plays.
3. Will Dallas’ Defensive Depth Continue to Impress?
The Cowboys have entered the finale with positive momentum.
Their young defenders have one more chance to demonstrate that the team’s depth can carry into the regular season.
4. Which Rookie Makes a Final Statement?
Wright, Miller, Lance, Brown and other young Saints will have important opportunities.
Dallas has similar decisions across its roster.
One strong performance may not guarantee a roster spot, but it can reinforce a player’s value at exactly the right time.
5. Does the Joint-Practice Intensity Carry Into the Game?
The preseason finale should remain focused on football, but the history between these teams during training camp adds an unpredictable element.
The opening quarter could have more energy than a typical exhibition game.
Saints vs Cowboys Prediction
The preseason finale is difficult to predict because player availability can change the entire game.
Dallas enters with a 2-0 record and will play at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys also have momentum after stronger preseason performances, while New Orleans is attempting to recover from a 34-0 loss.
However, the Saints have significant motivation to produce a better offensive performance, and Shough’s expected appearance could give New Orleans an early spark.
The key will be what happens after the first wave of players leaves the field.
Dallas has shown stronger depth through the first two preseason games, and playing at home gives the Cowboys a slight advantage in a contest that could be decided by reserve units and special teams.
Prediction: Cowboys 21, Saints 17
The Saints should show more offensive life than they did against the Rams, but Dallas’ preseason momentum and overall depth give the Cowboys a narrow edge.
Final Thoughts
The Saints vs Cowboys preseason finale is the last opportunity for both teams to evaluate players in a live NFL environment before the regular season takes over.
New Orleans needs to leave Arlington with better offensive film after a difficult performance against the Rams. Tyler Shough’s appearance will be closely watched, while young players across the roster have one more chance to secure their futures.
Dallas has different momentum.
At 2-0, the Cowboys have already seen encouraging signs from their depth, and Friday is about identifying which players deserve to remain part of that group when the roster reaches 53.
The final score will eventually become the headline.
But for many players, the bigger result will arrive after the game.
Who made enough plays to survive the cut? Who earned a practice-squad opportunity? And which young players gave their teams confidence heading into Week 1?
Once the final whistle blows, this article can be updated on the same URL with the final score, scoring summary, key moments, top performers, team statistics and full postgame analysis.
For now, the stage is set for one final preseason test in Arlington.
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