The Dallas Cowboys are navigating one of their most challenging seasons in recent memory, sitting at a disappointing 3-7 after another blowout loss—this time to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. With starting quarterback Dak Prescott out for the season following hamstring surgery, Cooper Rush has stepped into the role but has struggled to generate consistent offense.
Given Rush’s poor performances, many fans and analysts have questioned whether it’s time to give Trey Lance, the former third-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a shot. However, comments from Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones on Tuesday suggest the team has little confidence in Lance’s readiness to take the reins.
Lance’s Uncertain Standing
Lance, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers during the 2023 preseason for a fourth-round pick, arrived in Dallas with questions surrounding his potential. His collegiate resume was impressive, particularly his 2019 season at North Dakota State, where he accounted for over 3,800 total yards, 42 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. However, a lack of playing time—due to COVID disruptions, injuries, and time spent behind Jimmy Garoppolo—has hindered his development. Since 2019, Lance has attempted just 138 passes in competitive football.
Jones’ latest remarks add fuel to the speculation that Lance is not meeting the team’s expectations in practice. While he has shown occasional flashes, his inconsistency, highlighted by a five-interception preseason game against the Chargers, has seemingly left the coaching staff hesitant to give him a real opportunity.
Reading Between the Lines
Although Jones stopped short of outright criticizing Lance, his reluctance to entertain the idea of replacing Rush speaks volumes. It suggests that Lance has not demonstrated enough in practice to warrant consideration, even as Rush continues to struggle.
The Cowboys’ unwillingness to give Lance meaningful snaps could indicate a deeper issue. If the team truly believed in his potential, this would be the perfect moment to let him prove himself. Instead, they seem content to stick with Rush, raising questions about whether trading for Lance was a misstep.
What’s Next for Lance?
Lance’s journey in Dallas appears increasingly uncertain. While the Cowboys remain focused on salvaging what they can from this season, it’s hard to ignore the optics of sidelining a player with Lance’s pedigree and potential. For now, it seems his path to redemption may have to wait, leaving fans to wonder if the once-promising quarterback will ever get his chance in Dallas.
As the Cowboys continue their downward spiral, the lack of faith in Lance is another troubling chapter in an already disappointing season.
