IRVING ? The Dallas Cowboys have tabbed former Tarleton quarterback Richard Bartel as the starting quarterback for the final preseason game of the 2008 season.

Bartel, who played two seasons for the Texans before signing a free agent contract with the Cowboys in 2007, spent last season on the practice squad for his hometown team. He is expected to play most, if not all of the game, on Thursday when the Cowboys host the Minnesota Vikings at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Below is a story written by the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins:

IRVING ? If quarterback Richard Bartel is to do better than make the Cowboys' practice squad in 2008, he has to prove it Thursday night.

Bartel, the Grapevine product who played at SMU and Tarleton State, said he will start the preseason finale against Minnesota at Texas Stadium.

In two preseason games, Bartel has completed 48.3 percent of his passes for 171 yards. He has no touchdown passes and one interception.

"Playing the whole game is very exciting," Bartel said. "It gives me an opportunity to step up to the plate and prove myself."

Bartel didn't get much playing time during the preseason in his first year with the Cowboys in 2007. He did play in the final preseason game at Minnesota, where he completed 11 of 13 passes for 81 yards with one interception.

Bartel turned down a chance to join Kansas City's active roster late last season, choosing to stay with the Cowboys to learn more about becoming a quarterback. In January, the Cowboys showed their belief in Bartel by signing him to a bonus of $16,764.

During training camp this season, Bartel has struggled in different phases of the passing game, which makes Thursday night's game important.

The Cowboys could keep Tony Romo and Brad Johnson as the top two quarterbacks and possibly find a third with more experience after teams make their final cuts this weekend.

If Bartel plays well Thursday, the team could retain him for the practice squad again.

"Short term, is practice squad a bad thing?" Bartel said. "No. Next year, I can compete for a No. 2 position. If I don't clear waivers, maybe Kansas City or somebody else can pick me up. Now I know I have improved from last year, I just don't have any experience."