The Dallas Cowboys only have one more game left in the 2024 season, which means only one more game left to see if Trey Lance can play a lick.
And on Thursday here inside The Star, coach Mike McCarthy is trying to reveal nothing about Week 18 while also cooperating with the media with a level of coyness.
Cooper Rush has been the starter since Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury. But now, against the Washington Commanders in a meaningless game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday to close the season?
There seems to finally be a “why not?” question being asked around here.
First, what did “Big Mike” tell us on Thursday?
First, when asked about the QB plan, he said politely, “I really don’t want to respond to that.”
And then he mumbled something about wanting to “stay the course.”
Umm, “stay the course” with Rush? Or “stay the course” by announcing nothing in advance of game day?
But additionally, McCarthy tossed us a bone.
“We’re working all the guys,” he said.
Is that a hint that means Lance could finally be unveiled after two years of post-trade nothing as he’s about to head out to NFL free agency?
Cowboys Nation hopes so. And for certain, so does Lance, who hasn’t seen the light of day around here despite being a No. 3 overall pick acquired in 2022 in a trade that sent a fourth-round pick to the Niners.
“Yeah, absolutely, no doubt,” Lance said, speaking out on his self-belief if he is indeed called upon.. “I think if you don’t think that about yourself, then you’ve got no chance. And I truly believe that in my heart. I feel like it’s just where you drive your confidence from, what you have your faith in, and I feel like I’ve worked to this point to get to this point and I’m not going to stop until that opportunity comes and I’m able to make the most of it.”
To us, there no longer exists any reason to avoid playing every kid on the roster – not just the one who plays the highest-profile position.
And given McCarthy’s hints about Dallas and the Commanders in a meaningless season finale? Maybe somebody around here finally agrees.
