The Cowboys confirm their backup quarterback
The former University of Texas star quarterback left his best friend Baker Mayfield in Cleveland. The former Browns backup quarterback was signed off the practice squad to join the Cowboys according to CBS Sports’ Tom Pelissero.
In 2019, Gilbert appeared in five games, owning just a 2-6 passing mark in his career. He is a former sixth-round pick by the ex-St. Louis Rams in 2014.
With Dak Prescott’s injury, Andy Dalton will make the jump to No. 1 and there was speculation that with the move Gilbert would become the new backup. However, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Ben DiNucci will be the team’s backup.
“Frankly, I’m not as concerned about Andy Dalton’s preparation as much as I’m focused on Ben DiNucci’s,” McCarthy said on Thursday, via 247Sports. “We have to make sure that the No. 2, that’s where the biggest preparation and change is going on.”
The team drafted DiNucci No. 231 overall, taking the James Madison quarterback in the seventh round.
He began his career at Pittsburgh before transferring to James Madison. He earned CAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after throwing for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns. His completion percentage of 70.9% led the nation.
The Cowboys once had a quarterback out of James Madison, who turned out to be pretty solid. Charles Haley, was drafted out of James Madison by the 49ers and traded to the Cowboys in 1992. Haley eventually made the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Gilbert will likely bounce back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster.