Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush is getting an early holiday boost ahead of Thursday’s Thanksgiving showdown with the New York Giants. After leading the Cowboys to a crucial win over the Washington Commanders, Rush earned another week as the starting quarterback in the absence of Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Rush completed 75% of his passes, throwing for two touchdowns without an interception, which kept Trey Lance on the bench and secured Rush’s spot for at least another game.
The big news for Rush heading into the Giants matchup? Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is back. Cooks will be active for the first time since Week 4, when the Cowboys defeated the Giants. Expected to return sooner, Cooks missed the last seven games due to injury, and his absence has been a significant factor in the Cowboys’ offensive struggles. The return of Cooks, a deep threat with explosive speed, should provide a much-needed spark to the passing game, offering more options for Rush. It also gives CeeDee Lamb a break from constant double coverage, as defenses have focused primarily on him with little help from the rest of the receiving corps.
Despite some inconsistent play from the Cowboys’ other receivers—like Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy—Cooks’ return should bring stability. He may not single-handedly turn the offense around, but his presence on the field will certainly be felt, particularly in drawing attention away from Lamb and providing Rush with another reliable target. How much Cooks plays will depend on his health, but expect him to make a significant impact on Thursday.
In a corresponding move, the Cowboys placed rookie cornerback Caelen Carson and offensive lineman Asim Richards on Injured Reserve. With the Giants sitting at 2-9, the Cowboys will look to take advantage of their depth and improve to 5-7, hoping to extend their win streak and keep playoff hopes alive, even if only briefly.
