The Dallas Cowboys had their preseason breakthrough in Week 3, finally, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 in the exhibition finale. While the final score was irrelevant, the team's improved play was an encouraging sign for new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

There was plenty to be gained for players battling for roster spots, and the Cowboys had some good performances to make decisions for the 53-man head count difficult. Most of what the Cowboys did in the preseason finale was positive as the stock went up for guys who needed to show they could play.

Here's the stock report for the Cowboys as the exhibition season came to an end.

Stock up: QB Joe Milton

There wasn't much to be positive about in the first two preseason games for Milton, but he showed signs that's he's a viable backup quarterback to starter Dak Prescott. Milton looked much more comfortable in the pocket and showed the touch critics say he lacks on his 29-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Jalen Brooks.

Joe Milton dime for a TD! 🎯

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/F5nhOAYImm

— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025

The passing and accuracy were better, but Milton also used his legs to keep the chains moving. Milton has great athleticism, and he used it to his advantage, rushing for 33 yards and touchdown.

This was the QB the Cowboys traded for, a guy who can make big plays and is a dual-threat option. The Milton stock is definitely up after his best outing with his new team.

Stock up: RB Jaydon Blue

After missing the first two games due to injury, it was the first NFL action from the rookie and Blue showed why he should see plenty of opportunities in the regular season. Blue ran for 25 yards and scored on a strong one-yard touchdown run.

There wasn't much running room for Blue, but when he did find space, he burst through the line for a 13-yard gain just two plays before he found the end zone. On Blue's touchdown run he demonstrated he's more than just a speed back by powering through an arm tackle for the score.

The only downside to Blue's night was that he was hurt in the fourth quarter, reinjuring the ankle that made him miss the first two exhibitions, however he seems to have avoided a serious injury.

Stock down: WR Traeshon Holden

Holden is fighting for a roster spot, and he was outplayed by other WRs with whom he's competing. Brooks had a touchdown in the third quarter, while Ryan Flournoy led the team in receptions and receiving yards in the win.

The undrafted free agent also dropped a pass, something one can't do when in a battle for a roster spot. Holden didn't play a bad game, but he might not have done enough to unseat the two veteran WRs ahead of him on the depth chart.

Stock up: DE James Houston

One of the most impressive players for the Cowboys this preseason has been pass rusher James Houston, and he continued his stellar play with two tackles for a loss and a sack. Houston was around the QB for most of the night, living in the Falcons' backfield, also forcing a holding penalty.

NEED James Houston to make the team! pic.twitter.com/EnQ8d6FgPt

— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) August 23, 2025

It's hard to see how the veteran doesn't make the roster after capping off his summer with another impressive performance.

Stock up: Safety Alijah Clark

Most of the hype of the UDFA class on defense has gone to Zion Childress, but it was Clark who had the better performance against the Falcons. Clark finished with a tackle for a loss and made a big stop on third down, taking down the ball carrier short of the first down marker in a man-to-man situation in the open field.

The Cowboys have a good safety group and it's hard to see Clark making the roster, but he put himself in the conversation with a great outing in the preseason finale.

Stock down: DB Zion Childress

Childress is another rookie who's been generating positive reviews in the preseason, but he had a quiet night. While other defensive players made strong impressions, Childress didn't do much to boost his stock.

The case for making the roster doesn't just come down to one night, but Childress failed to make a final push in the win.

Stock up: LB Shemar James

The fifth-round pick stated his case to make the roster against the Falcons with five tackles to go along with his fourth quarter interception. The ball was thrown right at James, but his ability to mirror the route and make the catch is worth noting. When a rookie gets a chance to make a play, he has to make it, and James did.

Another @DallasCowboys 5th-round pick making an impact 👀

Shemar James gets the INT!

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Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/Sy1LYAZpGf

— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025

The top four linebacker spots appear to be set for the Dallas defense, but James could be the next in line to stick on the roster.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Stock up? Cowboys QB Joe Milton, RB Jaydon Blue show glimpse of future