Cooper Rush proved that the Dallas Cowboys were right for Week 2. The team’s backup quarterback led an offense to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While there was much speculation that the Cowboys might add another quarterback, the Cowboys’ front office decided to keep Rush and Will Grier in place while Dak Prescott recovers.
Cooper Rush proved that the Dallas Cowboys were right for Week 2. The team’s backup quarterback led an offense to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While there was much speculation that the Cowboys might add another quarterback, the Cowboys’ front office decided to keep Rush and Will Grier in place while Dak Prescott recovers.
“Jerry Jones said Cooper Rush’s efforts won’t change the timeline of Dak Prescott,” The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins tweeted on September 18. “Jones said when Prescott is able to grip a football then it will start the process of him returning.”
Jones expressed trust in Rush multiple times after Prescott’s injury. However, the team decided not to make any additional moves. Jones was honest and admitted that Rush had exceeded his expectations.
“He exceeded my expectations,” Jerry told USA Today’s Jory Epstein after the Week 2 win. “The performance out here by Rush sure takes a lot of angst out of it.”
Jones made headlines when he stated that the team did not plan to trade for another quarterback before the matchup against Bengals. Jones’ remarks came one day after Mike McCarthy, head coach, said that the team was reducing its list of signal-callers. Rush started the season with the practice squad. However, Dallas signed Rush to the 53-man roster the day before the Cowboys-Bengals game.
Jones said that the people who are ready to play for us as quarterback are those that have played preseason: Cooper Rush, Will Grier and [Will] Grier.” Jones spoke on September 13, 2022 during an interview on 105.3 The Fan’s “Shan” “They had a real rival. Grier was unable to finish the game due to a hamstring injury, but should now be able to resume play. We’ve had a lot of great snaps from those guys in practice and preseason games.
“Those guys know the offense well, have had a lot of reps in it and consequently give us our best shot. It’s unlikely since we don’t have any potential trade pending — not pending, but in the mill — it’s unlikely that you’d have a veteran quarterback that could get back in here and be ready to play as well as those guys can play, even if you thought you might have a talent advantage.”
Prescott’s return date is being set by the Cowboys, which is why he was not placed on the injured reserve. Dallas believes Prescott could be back as soon as Week 4, against the Eagles, according to Pro Football Talk.