Every NFL team approaches the preseason as an opportunity to evaluate various position battles, and the Dallas Cowboys are no different. Particularly this year, the spotlight is on their quarterback depth chart. The unquestioned starter is Dak Prescott, but the battle for the backup role is intense, featuring Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
A Brief Look at the Contenders
Cooper Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player from Central Michigan, has been in the NFL since 2017. His experience and performance have made him a reliable backup option for the Cowboys. Remarkably, Dallas has won five out of the six games Rush started when Prescott was sidelined with injuries during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His consistency and understanding of the game have not gone unnoticed by head coach Mike McCarthy, who stated, "Cooper is the same man every single day. He is super consistent. He is on top of his game."
Rush's preseason performance this year underscores McCarthy's belief in him. Completing 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, Rush has shown he can step in when needed. "I think if you look at his snaps that he has had this year, definitely quality over quantity," McCarthy added, highlighting that this preseason has been Rush's best camp in McCarthy's time with the team.
On the other side of the competition is Trey Lance, a highly touted talent who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Acquired last year from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, Lance's potential is evident. At just 24 years old, he is seen as a long-term asset for the Cowboys, and his recent preseason exploits confirm that his talent is genuine. Lance threw his first touchdown in Dallas' preseason game against the Raiders, a performance that had team owner Jerry Jones brimming with cautious optimism.
Jones' Perspective
Jones has been vocal about the team's quarterback depth. "Cooper Rush is someone that I am real impressed with out here, too. He's had a great camp," he observed. On Lance, Jones stated, "I saw obvious improvement. That's promising because he does have a lot of improvement to have, but he's got all the tools." However, Jones also acknowledged the challenge of ensuring Lance gets enough reps without negatively impacting the dynamics with Prescott or Rush: "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 confirmed that Lance would be on the 53-man roster, indicating the team's commitment to further developing his obvious potential. "I'd like to see him get some more work in this weekend, that would be number one," Jones mentioned, emphasizing the need for Lance to gain more experience.
Final Assessment
As the Cowboys approach their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the evaluations will continue. Head coach Mike McCarthy summed it up well: "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."
The Cowboys' strategy is clear—balance immediate readiness with future potential. With Dak Prescott firmly established as the starter, Cooper Rush offers a dependable backup option, while Trey Lance represents high-upside development. As the preseason wraps up, all eyes will be on how this trio evolves, aiming to strengthen the Cowboys' pursuit of success in the upcoming NFL season.