With Dak Prescott out, should the Cowboys trade for Mason Rudolph?

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a right thumb injury in Week 1, per ESPN. Should Dallas pursue a trade for a veteran option such as Steelers third-stringer Mason Rudolph?

Cooper Rush, Prescott's backup, was unimpressive in Sunday night's 19-3 loss to Tampa Bay. Will Grier, on the practice squad, is Dallas' only other QB.

Rush’s familiarity with the Cowboys' offense gives him an edge. In 2021, he filled in for Prescott in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. Rush led the team to a 20-16 victory, throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns in his lone NFL start.

Grier has started two NFL games, both for Carolina, and lost both. He hasn't thrown a TD pass in the NFL.

In 2019, Rudolph started eight games for the Steelers, winning five. He’s listed as the third quarterback on the Steelers' depth chart, behind rookie Kenny Pickett and starter Mitch Trubisky. The Steelers probably would trade him for a low-round draft pick.

Beyond Rudolph, the Cowboys have few options on the trading block or as free agents. Given Trey Lance's struggles, the 49ers should keep Jimmy Garoppolo. Cam Newton, who lost all five starts last season in Carolina, remains unsigned.

In Week 1, Dallas scored its fewest points in a season opener since 1989, when QB Troy Aikman was a rookie. If the offense doesn't improve, this could be a long season for the Cowboys. Rudolph could be their best chance to stay in contention until Prescott can return.