Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is set to miss “multiple weeks” after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday’s (November 3) loss to the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. To make matters worse for the Cowboys, Rapoport reports that “this is not looking like a short-term injury.”
So, what replacement options do the Cowboys have while they wait for their franchise quarterback—the highest-paid player in the league—to recover? Here’s a look at some in-house and external possibilities for Dallas.
In-House Options
Cooper Rush is currently the backup quarterback for the Cowboys, and, as Rapoport notes, Rush is expected to start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 10.
Rush stepped in after Prescott exited the game and went on to complete 13 of 25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
If the Cowboys decide against starting Rush, their next option is Trey Lance, the 2021 No. 3 overall pick. Lance hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2022.
For comparison, Rush has appeared in 30 NFL games with six starts, achieving a 60% completion rate, 6.5 yards per attempt, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, an 81 passer rating, and 35 rushing attempts for 11 yards.
Lance, meanwhile, has played in eight NFL games with four starts, posting a 54.9% completion rate, 7.8 yards per attempt, five touchdowns, three interceptions, an 84.5 passer rating, and 54 carries for 235 yards.
After Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, Prescott told reporters that this injury felt different from anything he’s experienced. That’s troubling news for the Cowboys, especially since Prescott recently signed a contract extension worth up to $240 million over four years.
“I’ve got to get it looked at,” Prescott said in the postgame press conference. “I felt it on the third play, a little scramble to the left. Didn’t think much of it, to be honest with you, and then on the next play — throwing the stop route — pulled something. It was something I’d never felt. Tried to walk on it at that point, and then saw the medical team and asked if I could make it worse. At that point, they said I wouldn’t be able to protect myself, and they made the call to pull me out.”
The Cowboys have now lost three consecutive games, falling to a 3-5 record this season. Though the playoffs remain a possibility, the path forward is looking challenging.
External Options for Dallas
The Cowboys could also consider bringing in a new quarterback to fill in for Prescott.
One prominent free-agent option is Ryan Tannehill, often among the top choices in emergency quarterback situations. The 36-year-old Texas A&M alum would be returning to his home state and may be waiting for an opportunity like this.
Another potential option is Gardner Minshew, currently with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders are in a rebuilding phase and recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy after a loss to the Bengals. As they reorganize their offense, they might be open to trading Minshew, who could be a quick fit for the Cowboys.
