Mailbag: Does Rush allow more evaluation?

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

The Cowboys could be using these last few games to evaluate Trey Lance. Could it be that the fact they aren't doing so is because Cooper Rush gives them a better opportunity to evaluate other players, like the offensive line and receivers?– Jeff Cedarfield/Canton, CT**

Nick: That's a nice way to look at it. I think you're onto something, whether or not that's the overall reason from the Cowboys. But I just think this team is trying to win games, first and foremost. And to do that, Cooper Rush gives them the best chance to win. Plus, the tricky part is here the evaluation process for Trey Lance, who is a free agent, just like Cooper Rush.

Do the Cowboys need to put Lance out there so other teams can sign him? Do they want to sit Rush and maybe have him thinking about signing with another team?

This isn't an easy situation because of the uncertainties that exist after this season. Or maybe the Cowboys think it's very easy. If Rush is the better quarterback, then he should play as they're trying to finish the season strong. But yes, having him in there should give them a better look at all offensive players.

Patrik: Well seeing as they've outright refused my requests for weeks on end to give Lance some/more playing time to see if he's worthy of the QB2 conversation in free agency in a few months, I see no reason they'd suddenly change their minds now, with only two games remaining and a chance to continue playing Grinch to end this campaign.

I could see an angle there that does also suggest that maybe, just maybe, they believe Rush allows for evaluation of the receivers, or at least anyone not named Mingo (what the hell is going on with that disconnection?), but I'd probably counter with the fact it's still CeeDee Lamb getting the bulk of the work there because, let's face it, if he's going to gut out the pain, you better get him the ball to make it worth his while.

However you choose to slice it, I'm holding out absolutely no hope whatsoever that we'll see any huge chunk of playing time for Lance, save for Rush randomly blowing the doors off of the Eagles or Commanders and Lance being sent in as an autopilot.