The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff dreams for the 2024 season may have faded, but that doesn’t mean they have lost their competitive edge. Last Sunday, the team demonstrated that they still have the fire to play hard and fight for victory, even with no postseason aspirations. This Sunday, they will face off against one of their most fierce rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, which adds an extra layer of motivation to the game. NFC East matchups always come with heightened intensity, and the Cowboys will certainly be looking to close out the season with pride, even if they are no longer in playoff contention.

But beyond the rivalry and the fanfare, there is a deeper reason why these players continue to show up and fight every week: their livelihoods. NFL players are constantly fighting for their jobs, their roles on the team, and their future contracts. Every game is a chance to showcase their skills and secure their place in the league. With this in mind, here are three Cowboys players who have significant reasons to keep fighting over the remaining two games of the season.

1. QB Cooper Rush

It’s impossible to talk about players fighting for their futures without starting with Cooper Rush. Rush may have a 9-4 career record as a starting quarterback, but his future is anything but secure. At 31 years old, he will become a free agent next year, and there are plenty of uncertainties surrounding his status. With Dak Prescott’s history of injuries, the Cowboys may be inclined to look for a long-term solution at quarterback, possibly even considering a late-round rookie next April.

Rush’s best performance came just last week when he threw for 292 passing yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that certainly helped his cause. Now, as the season winds down, Rush knows that every opportunity to play is crucial. Another strong showing in these final games could be the difference between securing a backup role in Dallas or finding a spot elsewhere. You can bet Rush will give everything he has to impress the Cowboys’ coaching staff, ensuring that he remains a viable option for the future.

2. RG Brock Hoffman

Brock Hoffman has shown enough potential to suggest that he could be a starter for the Cowboys in 2025. However, that doesn’t mean his job is secure just yet. The Cowboys could still look to draft a guard in the first round of the upcoming draft, especially if the best player available is an offensive lineman. Additionally, Hoffman will face competition next offseason from teammate T.J. Bass, who is eager to prove himself as a starter.

Hoffman has provided the Cowboys’ offensive line with a much-needed boost in terms of toughness and consistency, but he knows that it’s not enough to simply have shown flashes of potential. To secure his spot as the starting right guard next season, he needs to continue playing at a high level. These last few games will be critical for Hoffman, as they give him a chance to further solidify his case for being a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive line in 2025 and beyond.

3. TE Luke Schoonmaker

Luke Schoonmaker’s 2024 season has been a mixed bag. While he’s had some noteworthy moments, they’ve been few and far between. Over the course of 10 games, he hasn’t caught more than a single pass in most of them, leaving many to wonder about his development. Schoonmaker had an opportunity to step up when Jake Ferguson was injured, but even with more playing time, he hasn’t consistently made the impact the Cowboys were hoping for.

As the season draws to a close, Schoonmaker finds himself fighting for his place on the roster. He will be facing stiff competition in the offseason from other young tight ends, including Brevin Span-Ford. Schoonmaker has two more games to prove that he deserves to remain in the tight end rotation for next year. These final games are crucial for him to show the Cowboys coaching staff that he can be a reliable asset, rather than simply a developmental project. If Schoonmaker can put together some strong performances in these final contests, it could be enough to secure his position in the team’s future plans.

Honorable Mentions:

While these three players have the most to gain in the final weeks of the season, there are a few others who also have significant opportunities to showcase their skills:

• DE Marshawn Kneeland: Although players like Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston have earned their playing time, Kneeland, the second-round rookie, should get plenty of looks against top-tier offensive tackles in these final games.
• FB Hunter Luepke: Luepke has been a part of the lineup but hasn’t had many chances to carry the ball. With the offensive line showing improvement, now might be the time to give him more opportunities to see if he can make an impact.
• WR Ryan Flournoy: Flournoy has already had a breakout moment this season, catching a 26-yard pass over the middle. With more targets coming his way in these final two games, it’ll be interesting to see if he can build on that momentum and show that he belongs in the Cowboys’ future plans.

As the Cowboys wrap up their 2024 season, it’s clear that while playoff dreams may have slipped away, there are still plenty of storylines worth following. For players like Rush, Hoffman, and Schoonmaker, these last two games are their chance to make a lasting impression and secure their spot in the team’s future plans.