Dallas is buzzing with anticipation as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face the Washington Commanders in Week 18. According to reports, quarterback Trey Lance is set to receive a significant number of snaps for the first time this season. This decision comes after a series of games where Lance saw limited action, mainly due to the stellar performances of Cooper Rush, who took over after Dak Prescott‘s injury.
In the games since Prescott’s season-ending injury, Lance has only made three brief appearances. While Rush has carried most of the quarterbacking load, Sunday’s match against the Commanders holds no playoff significance for the Cowboys, who were eliminated earlier in the season. This gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate young players, especially Lance, who could potentially make his case for a starting role next season.
Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ head coach, has yet to confirm who will start this weekend but mentioned earlier this week that he aims to gather more information on his younger players. “We want to make sure that we do have information on our young players… I’d like to be in a position where everybody plays,” McCarthy stated.
Lance has had just a taste of game action since joining the Cowboys, with his last significant appearance coming during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. During that outing, he showed potential with impressive yardage but also struggled at times with five interceptions. Currently, he has recorded just 20 offensive snaps in the regular season, rushing five times for 15 yards while connecting on five of seven pass attempts for just 22 yards and a pick.
This weekend, Lance has a golden opportunity to showcase his skills against the Commanders. He has expressed confidence in his ability to step into a starting role in the NFL, saying he “absolutely” believes he can do it. Meanwhile, Rush finds himself in a delicate position, as playing 55 percent of the team’s snaps could net him a cool $250,000 in additional pay. As of Week 17, he stood at just over 52 percent. How McCarthy handles the situation at quarterback could have lasting implications for both players as they wrap up the season.
