Don’t count out Andy Dalton just yet.
Despite suffering a concussion from a dirty hit by Jonathan Bostic on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback is not officially ruled out for Sunday just yet. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dalton is listed as questionable.
“This is the first concussion for Cowboys’ QB Andy Dalton, who is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol,” tweeted Schefter. “Dalton has been durable throughout his career, but took a vicious blow Sunday and is now questionable for Sunday vs. the Eagles.”
Dalton was knocked out of the Cowboys 25-3 loss to the Washington Football Team. Bostic, the 29-year old linebacker for WFT, threw himself in Dalton as the quarterback slide before reaching the first down marker. Bostic was ejected from the game for his hit on Dalton.
Dalton was officially ruled as having a concussion and The Athletic’s Jon Machota confirms that 2020 seventh-round pick Ben DiNucci could start next week against the Eagles.
“Andy Dalton has a concussion. He’s in protocol for the week to come. Rookie Ben DiNucci could be the Cowboys’ starting QB next Sunday against the Eagles.”
DiNucci finished the game 2 of 3 for 39 yards passing and added one carry for zero yards.
Before the NFL, DiNucci 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. He was taken with the No. 231 overall pick.
DiNucci already has big shoes to fill. Dalton was filling in for Dak Prescott, who was knocked out two weeks ago with a season-ending injury. Since then, the Cowboys have found the endzone just once.
With a date with the first-place Eagles next week, this game could make or break the season for the Cowboys.