I. Introduction: The Changing Landscape of the Cowboys’ Quarterback Situation

In the unpredictable world of the NFL, injuries can quickly turn the tides for a team’s season. The Dallas Cowboys were recently forced to reckon with this reality when their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, suffered a significant injury during the 2024 season. As the face of the franchise, Prescott’s injury sent shockwaves through the Cowboys’ fanbase and raised questions about how the team would cope with the absence of its leader under center.

For the Cowboys, the solution to a backup quarterback dilemma seemed to have been found just weeks before the injury, when they made a bold move to acquire former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance in a trade. However, despite Prescott’s injury and the immediate need for a reliable signal-caller, the Cowboys have chosen to keep Lance on the sidelines rather than thrust him into the starting role.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Lance’s lack of game action, the state of the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart, and the potential for the young quarterback’s future with the team.

II. Dak Prescott’s Injury: A Turning Point for the Cowboys

Dak Prescott’s injury occurred at a critical juncture of the 2024 season, forcing the Cowboys into a position they hadn’t expected to find themselves in: with uncertainty at quarterback. Prescott, who has been the Cowboys’ offensive leader for several years, suffered an injury that was initially feared to be season-ending. While subsequent reports indicated that Prescott’s timeline for recovery was shorter than anticipated, his absence from the lineup for even a few weeks would have significant implications.

Prescott’s injury immediately raised questions about the Cowboys’ ability to contend in the NFC. With a playoff-caliber roster around him, the team’s success largely hinges on the health and performance of their quarterback. With Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys were forced to look to their backups to step up.

III. The Trey Lance Trade: Cowboys Take a Gamble

Before Prescott’s injury, the Cowboys made a surprising move by acquiring Trey Lance in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers had selected Lance as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but his tenure in San Francisco was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a limited role. Despite the immense potential Lance showed as a college prospect, the 49ers’ decision to move on from him and his limited action with the team created uncertainty about his future in the NFL.

When the Cowboys traded for Lance, it was seen as both a gamble and an opportunity. With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, Lance was not expected to step into a starting role right away. Instead, the Cowboys viewed him as a developmental player with the potential to become their quarterback of the future.

The trade was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some saw it as a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends in the long term, while others questioned whether Lance was truly the answer the Cowboys needed, particularly given his lack of on-field success in San Francisco.

IV. Trey Lance’s Career in San Francisco: What Went Wrong?

To understand why Trey Lance has remained on the sidelines with the Cowboys, it’s important to look at his rocky path in San Francisco. When the 49ers selected Lance third overall, it was with the hope that he would become the franchise’s quarterback of the future. Lance was seen as a raw but incredibly talented prospect with a high ceiling. He had the size, athleticism, and arm strength to make all the throws, but his inexperience and lack of college football starts raised concerns.

In his rookie season, Lance was used sparingly as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, with the 49ers opting to stick with Garoppolo as the starting quarterback for most of the year. When Garoppolo was injured in 2022, Lance was finally given the chance to start, but his development was hampered by a significant ankle injury that cut his season short. In the following year, the 49ers were led by Brock Purdy, who quickly emerged as a surprise star and took control of the starting job, leaving Lance in a backup role.

Despite showing flashes of potential, Lance’s struggles with consistency, injuries, and a crowded quarterback room led the 49ers to move on from him. For the Cowboys, the decision to acquire Lance was based on the belief that he could still tap into the potential that made him a top draft pick.

V. The Cowboys’ Quarterback Depth Chart and Lance’s Current Role

With Dak Prescott’s injury, the Cowboys’ quarterback situation became more complicated. Despite the obvious need for a backup who could step up, the Cowboys have opted to keep Lance on the sidelines, with Cooper Rush being the primary backup to Prescott.

Cooper Rush, who filled in admirably during Prescott’s previous injuries, has a solid grasp of the Cowboys’ system and has proven himself as a reliable backup in the past. As a result, the Cowboys have leaned on Rush to provide stability during Prescott’s absence, even as Trey Lance continues to learn the system behind the scenes.

This decision has raised eyebrows. Why hasn’t Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, been given the opportunity to play? The answer lies in a few key factors:

1. System Fit: Lance’s style of play is markedly different from that of Prescott or Rush. The Cowboys’ offense is tailored to Prescott’s strengths, and the coaching staff likely doesn’t want to overhaul the system midseason to accommodate a different type of quarterback.
2. Developmental Focus: The Cowboys seem to view Lance as a project who needs time to develop. At this point, the team is more focused on his long-term growth than immediate production.
3. Rush’s Experience: Cooper Rush, as mentioned, has a better understanding of the Cowboys’ offense and has been effective when called upon in the past. This makes him a more reliable option in the short term, even though Lance may have more upside in the long run.

VI. The Coaching Perspective: Mike McCarthy’s Vision for Lance

Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ head coach, has a history of working with quarterbacks, having been the coach of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. His approach to quarterback development has always leaned towards patience and careful nurturing of talent. With Lance, McCarthy and the Cowboys’ coaching staff likely see a player who can eventually become a starter, but only if given the time and resources to develop fully.

McCarthy has emphasized the importance of fundamentals, decision-making, and understanding the offense—traits that Lance still needs to refine. The Cowboys’ coaching staff is undoubtedly cautious about rushing Lance into action before he is fully prepared.

VII. Comparison to Other Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL

While it might seem strange that a former third overall pick is sitting on the sidelines, Lance’s situation isn’t entirely unique in the NFL. There are plenty of examples of quarterbacks who have been highly drafted but haven’t immediately seen starting opportunities. Many backup quarterbacks in the league are in similar developmental roles, waiting for the right moment to prove themselves.

VIII. Trey Lance’s Development in Dallas: The Future

Looking ahead, Lance’s future with the Cowboys remains uncertain. Will he eventually become the team’s starter, or will he be traded elsewhere? The Cowboys have a lot invested in Lance, and how he develops over the next few seasons could be a defining factor for the franchise.

IX. Conclusion: Lance’s Path Forward and What This Means for the Cowboys

The Cowboys’ decision to keep Trey Lance on the sidelines despite Dak Prescott’s injury speaks volumes about the team’s long-term vision. While Lance undoubtedly has potential, his path to the starting job will likely take time. For now, the Cowboys are playing the long game, and how Lance develops will determine not only his future in Dallas but possibly the Cowboys’ future at the quarterback position.