As the dust settles and you return to the grind after your New Year’s break, it’s time to dive back into the latest happenings with the Dallas Cowboys. While the team may have been eliminated from playoff contention and only has one final game left in the regular season, there are still plenty of key developments worth paying attention to.

Let’s break down the major storylines making waves in Cowboys country!

Trey Lance’s Moment to Shine?

The spotlight is on Trey Lance as the Cowboys approach Week 18, and the question on everyone’s mind is: will the young quarterback finally get a shot at starting in this final game of the season? Head coach Mike McCarthy is keeping his cards close to his chest, offering no clear indication of whether Lance or Cooper Rush will take the field under center. Given that this will be the last regular-season game, many fans are clamoring for the Cowboys to give Lance a chance before he becomes a free agent in March.

Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, has had a tumultuous start to his career, with limited opportunities in Dallas so far. With the team already out of the playoff race, this could be the perfect moment for him to prove his worth.

Lance spoke candidly about his mindset when it comes to possibly starting: “I think if you don’t think about yourself as a starting QB in the NFL, then you’ve got no chance. And I truly believe that in my heart,” Lance shared with DallasCowboys.com. “I feel like it’s just where you drive your confidence from, what you have your faith in, and I feel like I’ve worked to this point to get to this point, and I’m not going to stop until that opportunity comes and I’m able to make the most of it.”

The question remains: Will McCarthy and the coaching staff finally give Lance the shot he’s been waiting for, or will they stick with the more familiar face of Rush for the final game? Cowboys fans will be eagerly watching for this critical decision.

Ezekiel Elliott’s Departure: A Bitter End to the Reunion

It’s been a season full of ups and downs for Ezekiel Elliott, whose return to the Cowboys was never quite as smooth as fans had hoped. Coming off the worst couple of seasons of his career, Elliott’s presence was overshadowed by the emerging talents of other players like Rico Dowdle. Dallas’s decision to prioritize Elliott over Dowdle earlier in the season likely cost the team some key offensive opportunities, and things only worsened as the season wore on.

Elliott’s struggles continued, leading to disciplinary action later in the season due to tardiness and attendance issues. On Wednesday, the running back made a formal request to be released, seeking to join a playoff-contending team. The Cowboys granted his request, and Elliott was officially let go.

After clearing waivers, Elliott is now a free agent, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering where his next move will take him. Will he find a landing spot with a playoff team looking to add depth to their backfield, or will he have to wait until next season to re-establish himself? One thing is clear: this marks the end of Elliott’s second stint with the Cowboys, and it’s a bittersweet conclusion to what once seemed like a promising reunion.

Could Mike McCarthy Be on His Way Out? The Coaching Carousel Heats Up

While the Cowboys face a disappointing end to their season, the future of head coach Mike McCarthy is also hanging in the balance. Rumors about McCarthy’s job security have been swirling, and the possibility of a coaching change looms large as the team heads into the offseason.

Though many familiar names are being thrown around as potential replacements, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero dropped an intriguing tidbit regarding a surprise candidate: Jon Gruden. Gruden has been out of the NFL since 2021, when he resigned from his position as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders following a scandal involving offensive emails that were leaked to the media. Despite his absence, Gruden has remained engaged in the football world, appearing on the sidelines with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ ownership earlier this fall and working with the New Orleans Saints during training camp. Pelissero reported that Gruden could have been the Saints’ offensive coordinator last year if he had wanted the job.

Could Gruden be in line for another chance at the NFL head coaching job? And more importantly, could he be a potential fit for the Cowboys? His deep experience and strong résumé could make him an intriguing option for a team looking for a proven leader to take them back to the playoffs.

With McCarthy’s future in Dallas uncertain, the coaching carousel is about to spin into full gear, and the Cowboys may be one of the first teams to make a move.

Wrapping Up: What’s Next for the Cowboys?

As Week 18 approaches, the Cowboys find themselves in a period of transition. The elimination from playoff contention leaves room for change, and with questions about the future of key players and the coaching staff, the team’s next steps will be critical in determining their trajectory moving forward.

Trey Lance’s potential debut, Ezekiel Elliott’s exit, and the uncertainty surrounding Mike McCarthy’s future all serve as reminders that change is constant in the NFL. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring more developments, and Cowboys fans will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the offseason unfolds. Stay tuned, because the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason promises to be just as eventful as their regular season—if not more so.