With Dak Prescott expected to miss multiple games, will Cowboys play Trey Lance?

With starting quarterback Dak Prescott slated to miss multiple games, now may be an excellent time for the Dallas Cowboys to give Trey Lance a test run. 

Prescott exited with a hamstring injury in a 27-21 Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. During a Tuesday interview with KRLD-FM in Dallas, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said they'll likely place the QB on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss at least four games.  

According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, backup QB Cooper Rush will start in Sunday's home game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Jones implied Lance may play at some point.

"Let's not dismiss the possibility of doing anything," he said when asked if Dallas considered starting Lance. "The 'going with' has a past tense aspect to it I wouldn't recognize. It's not impossible to incorporate the skills we get from both quarterbacks."

Jones added Lance is more mobile than Rush, which could invigorate Dallas' offense.

Rush, 30, has proved he's a dependable backup. In 2022, he replaced Prescott when he suffered a right thumb injury. Rush went 4-1 in five starts, throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions. His efforts helped the Cowboys finish 12-5 and make the playoffs. 

Lance completed a below-average 54.9% of his passes in eight games in two seasons with the 49ers and went 2-2 as a starter. San Francisco sent the 2021 No. 3 overall pick to Dallas for a fourth-rounder in 2023.

Lance, 24, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Playing him could help the Cowboys see whether they should re-sign him in 2025. 

Of course, Lance won't replace Prescott as the Cowboys starter. Shortly before the season started, the three-time Pro Bowler signed a four-year, $260M deal with an option in 2028.

If Lance came in and looked solid for the Cowboys, that could increase his trade value.

Dallas (3-5) could soon fall out of playoff contention. After the Cowboys host the Eagles (6-2), they face the Houston Texans (6-3) and Washington Commanders (7-2). Don't be surprised if they lose all three games.

The Cowboys may have nothing to lose, so they should prepare for the offseason. Determining if Lance is an asset could be pivotal for a team that's possibly entering a rebuild.