As the Dallas Cowboys approach their final game of the 2024 season against the Washington Commanders, head coach Mike McCarthy is facing some important decisions regarding the quarterback position. While the Cowboys won’t be heading to the playoffs this year, they still have plenty to play for in their season finale. With the game set to take place on Sunday, January 5, at AT&T Stadium, McCarthy is carefully considering who will take the reins at quarterback for the final matchup of the season.

In a season marked by ups and downs, the Cowboys’ quarterback situation has been anything but ordinary. Dak Prescott, the team’s longtime franchise quarterback, has been sidelined due to an injury and won’t be available for the remainder of the season. Stepping in for Prescott has been backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who has proven himself to be a reliable option when called upon. However, as the season comes to a close, McCarthy hinted that a change at quarterback could be in the cards for the final game.

In a press conference following the Cowboys’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on December 29, McCarthy addressed the current quarterback situation and expressed openness to exploring other options. When asked about the possibility of giving former third-overall pick Trey Lance some playing time in the season finale, McCarthy responded with a measured but positive tone, praising Rush’s contributions while acknowledging the importance of evaluating all players, including younger ones like Lance.

“I really like what Cooper has done, and I think we all have to recognize the job he’s done to this point,” McCarthy said on December 30. “But, this is the time where you think about not just the quarterback position, but all the positions. Making sure we have information on our younger players. Frankly, we probably have a lot based on how much [the non-quarterbacks] have played.”

While McCarthy did not commit to a decision regarding the quarterback for the final game, it was clear that he’s weighing the potential benefits of giving Lance a shot, especially with the season’s outcome already decided. The Cowboys head coach made it clear that he wasn’t focusing on questions related to individual player decisions at the moment, but that discussions about the gameplan would take place in the next 36 hours. McCarthy emphasized the importance of ensuring that every player has an opportunity to showcase their skills, though he acknowledged the practicalities involved in making that happen.

Dak Prescott, meanwhile, has expressed his frustration with the Cowboys’ performance this season, particularly the team’s failure to make the playoffs. Having spent much of the season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and a hamstring surgery in November, Prescott has been closely following the team’s progress and feels the sting of missing the postseason.

“Nobody plans to lose. Nobody plans to have a losing season, to be in this position,” Prescott said. “You expect the playoffs every year. You expect to win the division and then to be in this place, or whether it’s at home, playing against this team usually for the division. That’s not the case. Yeah, it’s frustrating.”

Despite the disappointing season, Prescott also took time to offer credit to McCarthy for his ability to manage the team under difficult circumstances. He praised McCarthy’s professionalism and coaching style, acknowledging the coach’s ability to get the team ready to play and take pride in the final product, regardless of the team’s overall record.

As for Prescott’s health, the quarterback provided a positive update on his recovery. Although he remains a few weeks away from being able to run at full speed, Prescott noted that he’s been making progress, including gaining strength in his leg and using it more during his rehab. He’s also been able to bike and move more freely, signaling that his recovery is on track.

“I’ve gained some strength in it… started to use it a little bit,” Prescott said. “Yeah, I’m probably a few weeks, maybe a month, from running, running. But I got on the bike, so I’m definitely doing some things, moving more.”

With the final game of the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Cowboys’ quarterback situation. Will McCarthy opt to give Trey Lance a chance to shine, or will Cooper Rush continue to lead the offense in the season finale? As the Cowboys prepare for their last outing of 2024, McCarthy’s decision could provide valuable insights into the future of the team’s quarterback depth chart as they look ahead to the offseason. Regardless of who takes the field, the Cowboys are determined to finish the season strong, with pride and dignity at stake.