2 weeks Ago
Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season didn't go as the Dallas Cowboys had planned. Not only did America's Team fall to 3-5 with a 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons , but the Cowboys also lost quarterback Dak Prescott to a hamstring injury in defeat. Prescott's health is paramount to the Cowboys' success, meaning the last thing they need is for him to miss time.
Unfortunately, the franchise was dealt some even worse news after the loss when it was revealed that the 31-year-old QB will now miss "multiple weeks" with his hamstring issue . With Prescott's campaign potentially being over, Cowboys fans are wondering who'll start under center down the stretch: Trey Lance or Cooper Rush. On Monday, one former player made it clear what he wants to see Dallas do.
"Play Trey Lance and see what you have there," ex-NFL QB Chase Daniel said on Fox Sports' "The Facility." "I'm not saying to 'bench' Dak Prescott..
. But if you have Trey Lance, you can trade him in the offseason and see what you have there." "(The Cowboys) have to start building toward the future.
Something has to change." Dak Prescott OUT for multiple weeks with a hamstring. The Dallas Cowboys season is a wash.
..it’s time to put Trey Lance in & see what he’s got.
Start building for next year. pic.twitter.
com/9WqybkuKaE After a solid collegiate career, Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers at the 2021 NFL draft. It didn't take long before the ex-North Dakota State QB was usurped by Brock Purdy as the 49ers' No. 1 signal-caller, resulting in his being traded to the Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round pick in August 2023.
Since moving to the Lone Star State over a year ago, Lance's playing opportunities have been sparse. The 24-year-old quarterback has spent the majority of his tenure as the Cowboys' third-string option while Rush has handled the backup QB duties. Even if the regular season opportunities haven't been there, Lance offered fans a glimpse of his potential during the summer.
The Marshall, Minnesota native paced the NFL in passing yards (662) and rushing yards (168) during the 2024 preseason, leaving time to tell if he can ever replicate that success during meaningful games. © Tim Heitman-Imagn Images The Cowboys declined Lance's fifth-year option in May , meaning he's slated to hit free agency in the offseason. With Rush also playing on an expiring contract, a strong finish to the season from Lance could see him open the 2025 season as Prescott's backup.
For now, Lance must find a way to earn himself some playing time. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Dallas is "likely" starting Rush going forward as he has more experience in head coach Mike McCarthy's offense. Regardless of who's under center, the Cowboys need their QB room to step up in Week 10 when they host the rival Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
Related: Cowboys Fans Calling For Firing of 'Unacceptable' McCarthy.
