Can backup quarterback Cooper Rush help save the Dallas Cowboys’ season?
The Cowboys are struggling after starting the season 3-5. Things got worse when executive vice president Stephen Jones mentioned in a Thursday interview with KTFM in San Antonio that starting QB Dak Prescott, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, might need surgery and could be placed on injured reserve.
In 2022, Rush stepped in for Prescott when he broke his thumb. Rush went 4-1 as a starter, and the Cowboys finished the season with a 12-5 record. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb believes Rush can step up again.
“We know what Coop can do,” Lamb said Thursday, according to Ed Werder of WFAA-TV in Dallas. “The confidence is still there. Just stand in there and deliver.”
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons also supports Rush.
“I still believe we can make a run,” Parsons said on Wednesday. “I’ve seen what Cooper Rush can do. That’s a good boy right there. Cooper Rush has a lot of talent. He won games for us by just doing the basics, just playing good football. So it’s not like he can’t do it.”
However, Rush took over a much stronger Cowboys team in 2022. That year, Dallas ranked fourth in the league in points scored (27.5 per game) and tied for fifth in points allowed (20.1 per game). This season, the Cowboys are ranked 20th in points scored (21.4 per game) and second to last in points allowed (28.1 per game).
Dallas is about to face some of its toughest opponents. The Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) in Week 10 and the Houston Texans (6-3) in Week 11. They then have a road game against the Washington Commanders (7-2) in Week 12.
While Rush has shown he can be a reliable backup, it’s unlikely he will lead an unexpected turnaround. As of Thursday, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Cowboys only a 3.6 percent chance of making the playoffs.
