Cooper Rush will be the Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback when the team takes the field in Tampa in Week 1. As the Cowboys finalize their 53-man roster, Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci were released by the Cowboys.
According to a source, Garret Gilbert was released. Ben DiNucci also released,” ESPN’s Todd Archer detailed on Twitter. Cooper Rush is now the No. “This leaves Cooper Rush as the No. 2. Gilbert could return to the practice squad. Perhaps DiNucci.”
DiNucci probably sealed his fate when he threw three interceptions during the team’s preseason loss against the Texans on Aug 21st. Rush made a late push with his performance on the field in the preseason to secure the backup job. Mike McCarthy, Cowboys’ head coach, made it clear after the game that he would not tolerate recklessness with the football.
McCarthy said to reporters following the Cowboys’ defeat, “You know that penalties and turnovers are obviously a big negative.” “I’m sick of the turnovers… It is a credit to our team for fighting so hard and sticking with it. To be in the game, even if you’re minus 4, or minus 3, and still have a chance of winning the game.
“So, we have talked about it. I’m sure that you’ll continue to talk about it. But you can’t win this way. It is not something I have coached and will not be in the future. You have to look after damn football. That was something we didn’t do tonight.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys’ backup quarterback, has been out of preseason due to a shoulder injury. Prescott also has two ankle surgeries last year, making it a priority to insure the franchise quarterback.
If waivers are cleared, it would not surprise Gilbert and DiNucci to be resigned to the practice squad. Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, indicated that another acquisition of a quarterback was not possible after the news about roster cuts.
“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said it will be a ‘high bar’ for another QB to be added that could beat out Cooper Rush to be Dak Prescott’s backup,” The Athletic’s Jon Machota tweeted. Cooper’s background makes it a high bar. “
This will be Rush’s fifth season with the Cowboys after signing with the team in 2017. Jones mentioned Rush’s consistency as one of the reasons the Cowboys named him their No. 2 quarterback.
“Well, I think his consistency,” Jones told Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. “… I think he has shown that he is capable of running the entire offense. He had to compete with some very tough opponents. He was not given any room by those guys. Dak has been absent from our team so he’s seen a lot of reps. These things make us feel really comfortable here.