Every NFL preseason, teams utilize the opportunity to evaluate key position battles, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight is squarely on their quarterback situation. While Dak Prescott remains the unquestioned starter, the competition for the backup slot has been particularly intense, featuring Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as the primary contenders.
The Contenders
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted talent from Central Michigan, has been with the NFL since 2017. His tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by noteworthy performances, especially when stepping in for an injured Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Rush boasts an impressive record, having led Dallas to victory in five of his six starts in those years. In the current preseason, Rush completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, a performance scrutinized by both fans and the Cowboys' coaching staff.
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, the 2021 NFL Draft’s third overall pick. The Cowboys acquired Lance from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last year. At 24 years old, Lance's youth and potential are attractive, adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. Lance offered a glimpse of his capabilities by throwing his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason victory over the Raiders.
Voices from the Top
Head coach Mike McCarthy has been vocal about the team's depth at quarterback. "I think just like anything, you play this all the way out. You can never have enough good quarterbacks, and we got three good ones. We’re fortunate," McCarthy stated.
McCarthy also had high praise for Rush’s consistency and improvement. "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game. I think if you look at his snaps that he has had this year, definitely quality over quantity. That’s by design with what we’ve got going on with Dak and Trey. This is clearly, in my time with him, his best camp. His decision-making has been on point. I think his footwork and some of the things he’s done have been impressive."
Similarly, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has acknowledged the high level of competition. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He’s had a great camp," Jones remarked.
Jones also noted the strides made by Lance, despite acknowledging the need for further development. "I saw obvious improvement. That’s promising because he does have a lot of improvement to have, but he’s got all the tools. He’s got the mettle. You saw that mettle clicking in and adjustments that he hadn’t made, let’s say as early as the week before. That’s pretty promising the way he played out there Saturday," Jones observed. "Do I need to see any more from Trey Lance? The answer is yes, but he's going to be on the 53."
Strategic Decisions Ahead
The decision on who will become the backup quarterback is crucial, especially in a league where the performance of this role can be pivotal during unexpected moments. The Cowboys' final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will likely serve as a decisive factor as both Rush and Lance vie for the spot. With Jones confirming that Lance will be on the 53-man roster, it adds another layer to the dynamic, leaving fans and analysts eager to see how much playing time Lance will receive moving forward.
"The issue is after preseason, how does he get his reps without something negative happening with Dak or, in this particular case, Cooper Rush?" Jones posed a crucial question regarding Lance's development timeline.
As the Cowboys' coaching staff and management continue to assess their options, one thing is clear: the depth and quality of talent at the quarterback position give the franchise a unique advantage. "I’d like to see us really be able to have our quarterbacking depth. Specifically talking about No. 19 [Lance]... I’d like to see him get some more work in this weekend, that would be number one," Jones emphasized.
With McCarthy spotlighting Rush's decision-making and consistent performance and Jones highlighting Lance’s tangible improvements, the Cowboys are navigating a fortunate yet challenging dilemma. The coming days will be critical as they finalize their roster, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential.