Saints Edge Cowboys in Preseason Finale, Building Momentum for 2026 Season
In a thrilling preseason finale, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-24 on Friday night, thanks to a clutch 53-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with just 1:55 remaining. The win, secured after a late drive led by quarterback Zach Wilson, provided the Saints with much-needed momentum as they head into the 2026 regular season. The game also answered several lingering questions about the team’s roster, particularly regarding the backup quarterback position and the kicking competition.
Backup quarterback Spencer Rattler delivered a standout performance, following up his impressive showing against the Rams with another solid outing. Rattler’s consistency likely solidified his role as the primary backup to starter Derek Carr, giving the coaching staff confidence in their depth at the position. Meanwhile, the kicking battle took a decisive turn as Daniel Carlson’s game-winning kick showcased his reliability under pressure, potentially edging out his competition for the starting job.
The Saints also took the opportunity to evaluate other roster hopefuls, with several players making their final case for a spot on the 53-man roster. However, the game wasn’t without concerns, as running back CJ Donaldson remained on the field momentarily after a hard hit on a screen pass, though he appeared to avoid serious injury. Head coach emphasized the difficulty of these decisions, stating, “These are challenging games, a lot of decisions have to be made after this game.”
With the preseason now complete, the Saints turn their attention to roster cuts, scheduled for Sunday. The team’s improved play in the finale, particularly on offense, provides a positive note as they prepare for the regular season. As the Saints clean up their performance and finalize their roster, fans can look forward to a competitive team ready to make an impact in 2026.
Shimanta Das 
