Mike McCarthy has made a significant decision regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation.
Despite a 26-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium this past weekend, the Cowboys were officially eliminated from the 2024-25 NFL playoffs. With a 7-8 record, they currently sit third in the NFC East.
The elimination came after the Washington Commanders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, ending the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has decided to continue with Cooper Rush as the starting quarterback. Rush has led the team to four wins in their last five games, providing a strong boost to the team’s performance. However, there have been growing calls for Trey Lance, the former first-round pick, to get a chance to start.
The Cowboys are set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at 1 pm in what promises to be a heated rivalry. Despite these calls for Lance, McCarthy has downplayed any potential changes to the starting quarterback role, maintaining that the focus is on winning the game.
“The mindset is to win,” McCarthy told reporters on Monday. “We’re going to Philadelphia to win the game. The crowd is gonna welcome us with open arms like they always do.”
Cooper Rush has stepped up in Dak Prescott’s absence since Week 9, after the franchise quarterback suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the remainder of the season. Rush, 31, has posted a 4-3 record as the starting quarterback since taking over.
Meanwhile, Trey Lance, who was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, has had a limited role in Dallas.
In two seasons with the Cowboys, Lance has made just two appearances, thrown six passes, and recorded one interception with no touchdowns. As the season draws to a close, he is set to become a free agent.
Despite his limited impact, Lance’s future with the Cowboys is uncertain, and McCarthy’s decision to stick with Rush appears to signal the end of Lance’s chances of starting in the near future.
