In a notable shift, the Dallas Cowboys have appointed Trey Lance as their starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 18 season finale against the Washington Commanders. This decision comes after a stretch where Cooper Rush, who took over following Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury, started every game since Week 10.
According to NFL Network reports, this change affects Rush’s potential to meet his play-time incentives for the 2024 season, which would have earned him an additional $500,000 if he had played at least 55% of the team’s offensive snaps. As of now, he is at 52.5% and needed to play 65 snaps to secure that bonus. With Lance taking the reins for the game against Washington, Rush will not reach that threshold.
Despite Rush leading the Cowboys to a 4-4 record during his time as starter and demonstrating a commendable 11-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his overall passer rating was less than stellar, ranking 25th among NFL quarterbacks during that span.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in Lance’s preparedness for the game, stating, “He’s been doing the right things.” He highlighted that the decision was made with the intention of giving the Cowboys the best shot at winning.
Lance, who joined the Cowboys via trade with the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, has limited game experience this season, completing five out of seven passes for 22 yards and one interception, alongside modest rushing stats. Despite this, he remains optimistic about his prospects as a starting quarterback in the NFL, reflecting on his growth since the preseason and expressing confidence in his abilities.
The decision to start Lance presents a fresh opportunity for the young quarterback to prove himself, while it also raises uncertainties for Rush regarding his future with the team as both players are set to become free agents in March.
This pivot grants Lance a chance to showcase his potential in a real-game scenario, which could not only benefit him personally but also add a dynamic edge to the Cowboys’ offensive strategy heading into the offseason. Football fans can look forward to seeing how this change impacts the game and the teams’ plans for the future.