OXNARD, Calif. – The Cowboys don't practice on Wednesday afternoon, but their front office is hard at work addressing its recent loss at the quarterback position.
Kellen Moore is set for surgery on the broken right fibula he suffered Tuesday evening – an injury team executive vice president Stephen Jones said will likely keep him out for "three-to-four months."
"It is what it is," Jones said Wednesday morning. "We can't change that, so we're in the process of looking to bring another veteran-type guy in here to compete with Dak and Jameill."
The Cowboys have expressed plenty of confidence in young quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Jameill Showers, but they clearly want a more experienced option to take Moore's place on the training camp roster.
To that end, Jones said he has already received numerous calls from other NFL teams about possible options. While speed is an obvious factor in the process, Jones said his top priority is making the right choice – whether it's via free agency or a trade.
"We've got to uncover that. Our No. 1 priority is to get it right, and expeditiously is the No. 2. We want to get a guy in here sooner rather than later," Jones said. "I'm not one of those guys -- 'Are you close? Will you get it done by the end of the day?' We want to get it done as soon as we possibly can – whether it's today or tomorrow. Whenever we can."
Easily the most-discussed target on the Cowboys' radar is Nick Foles, who is currently a free agent after requesting his release from the Rams. At just 27 years old, Foles is arguably the most desirable free agent quarterback on the market, as he enjoyed a Pro Bowl season in 2013 during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"He's had success against us for the Eagles, so we see him a lot," Jones said. "He's got a big arm. Obviously, when you have a great offensive line like we have and we thing we're going to have a very solid running game. The thing you worry about is people trying to suffocate you, and he's proven he can get the ball down the field. He's got a lot of attributes that fit well for us."
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said at the outset of training camp that Foles wasn't an option – though plans obviously change when the team's backup quarterback fractures his leg. Stephen Jones said the team has been in contact with Foles' agent, David Dunn.
Foles won't be the only option considered. Voices around the league have also brought up possibilities like Mike Vick, Josh McCown, Mike Glennon or Matt Flynn.
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"I don't want to get into talking about each individual guy," Stephen Jones said. "Foles is an obvious one, and after that we'll be looking at everybody and we'll make a decision."
In the meantime, the Cowboys don't expect Moore to fade from view after undergoing surgery. Throughout the offseason, team officials have shown their faith in the former Boise State standout as the primary option behind Tony Romo.
Stephen Jones said it hasn't been decided whether Moore will be placed on injured reserve. But the quarterback's presence around the team can only be seen as a good thing going forward.
"The good news is he's not going anywhere. His mind is great for the room," Jones said. "He was the first one to say 'Hey, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here to help Tony get better, help Dak get better, help Jameill get better – and anybody else that we need to bring in.'"
