The Dallas Cowboys are turning to quarterback Cooper Rush for the remainder of the season. It was confirmed starting quarterback Dak Prescott will need season-ending surgery to repair his hamstring. Rush has played for Cowboys and led the team to surprising victories before, but this time could be much harder with essentially no running game to take the pressure off his shoulders. Rush isn’t a household name though, so many fans outside the Cowboys faithful don’t really know what to expect when Rush gets under center this week against the Eagles.
Dallas Cowboys Turn to Cooper Rush
The Cowboys season began filled with drama, between the contract disputes with Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb. Pair that with Head Coach Mike McCarthy not getting his contract extended going into his final year and Jerry Jones not making any moves in the off-season to better this team. The Cowboys lack of off-season moves became evident as they quickly fell to 3-5, looking up at the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in their division.
Cooper Rush signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Rush played college football at Central Michigan, being a Michigan native himself. After signing with the Cowboys, Rush has spent his entire career in Dallas besides a one-year stint with the New York Giants. Since 2017, Rush has had limited playing time mainly due to the fact Dak Prescott hasn’t missed many games in his career. However, when Cooper Rush has seen the field, he has given the Cowboys great success going 5-1 as a starter.
What The Future Holds for Cowboys Moving Forward
The Dallas Cowboys are still alive and in the playoff hunt, despite popular belief their season isn’t over yet. Prescott was playing good considering what he has had to work with. The Cowboys were determined to lean on a Zeke Elliott that is far past his prime and underperforming Rico Dowdle for their running game. The lack of rushing attack has forced Prescott to put every single game on his shoulders.
When the Cowboys deploy Cooper Rush under center, there is a chance they simplify the offense. They still have Lamb and star tight end Jake Ferguson, as well as newly acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones came under scrutiny sending a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for disappointing former second round pick Jonathan Mingo. This is a sign Jones still believes the Cowboys are in the fight and have a chance of making the playoffs.
The Cowboys have had 12-win seasons ever since Mike McCarthy took over for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are in danger of missing that mark coming into Sunday’s matchup against division rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles however, despite their winning record haven’t had the smooth sailing many had anticipated for them either. Many experts believe the Eagles will make quick work of the short handed Cowboys, but if this divisional series has taught us anything it’s expect the unexpected. Cooper Rush is capable of being a solid quarterback in the NFL, and don’t be surprised if the Cowboys keep this game closer than the betting crowd anticipates.
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