Mailbag: Did Cowboys see enough of Lance?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

Between this game and his practices this season, do you think the Cowboys have seen enough of Trey Lance? I believe the backup quarterback position is more critical than ever now with Dak Prescott's injuries. I'm concerned heading into next season. – Jeff Vandever/Orange, CA

Nick: I know they've seen him a lot more than we have. They have pretty much had him for two full seasons running the scout team against the Cowboys first-team defense. No, they haven't seen him a lot in the game situations, but he doesn't seem to have shown them a lot in the practice time. Personally, I think he has a shot to be someone's backup quarterback but if it were my decision, I would re-sign Cooper Rush. I think he gives the Cowboys a better chance to win games. The Cowboys obviously agree with that and I truly think they win that game Sunday against Washington if Rush plays. Not that we will ever know that, but that's what I think.

But with Dak's injury history building here in the last few years, I agree the backup spot is critical. Rush knows this team and the system that is currently in place. I would re-sign him if they have the chance, but Lance still has a future, he just needs to play. Not sure he'll get the chance to do that here.

Kurt: When asked about evaluating head coach Mike McCarthy in the final game, Jerry Jones said, "That hay is already in the barn." Meaning, there wasn't much that could happen against Washington that would sway the team's decision either way about rehiring him. I can't help but think the same could be said about Lance.

How much were they really going to learn about him in one game? Should he be expected to make those touch passes in the back corner of the end zone after he stood on the sidelines for weeks? They've been able to evaluate him in practice for two seasons now, but the Cowboys made clear that Cooper Rush was their backup. With that said, Lance is only about seven months older than Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. He's a day younger than Atlanta's Michael Penix and two months or so younger than Bo Nix in Denver. And given that Lance has the physical traits that made him the third-overall pick in the 2021 draft and has shown flashes, perhaps he's still worth developing. Will that be in Dallas? Well, there's a whole lot to figure out before they determine who their backup quarterback will be.

I will say this, though. I also have some concern about Prescott coming off a second major injury. He's undoubtedly good when healthy but finding a reliable backup such as Rush will still be key.