### Cowboys Stick with Cooper Rush Despite Availability of Daniel Jones

The Dallas Cowboys have decided to stay the course with their current quarterback lineup, despite their disappointing 3-7 record this season. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the team would not pursue recently released New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, even though adding him could have injected some excitement into the beleaguered team.

McCarthy clarified his stance on a conference call on Friday when asked about acquiring the six-year NFL veteran. "I've never really been in the business of looking at players based off the team they are released from, especially with the timing of the next game," McCarthy said. "He was a prospect I really liked coming out, but we kind of have our head down right now and really focused on working with the guys we have here."

The Cowboys are sticking with Cooper Rush, their eight-year veteran backup, who has had a rough stint in replacing an injured Dak Prescott. Prescott, who tore his hamstring in 2024, also suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2020. Despite Rush's struggles, which include losses by a combined score of 68-16 in his two starts, McCarthy and the team are committed to him for the Week 12 game against the Washington Commanders.

In addition, executive vice president Stephen Jones echoed McCarthy's sentiments, stating that the team believes Rush gives them "the best chance to win right now." Jones also mentioned that the Cowboys are keen to see what backup quarterback Trey Lance can bring to the table. Lance, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick, is expected to have specific packages tailored to his skill set. The Cowboys also have veteran Will Grier as their third, emergency quarterback.

While Daniel Jones has shown flashes of potential during his tenure with the Giants, his career has been marred by turnovers and inefficiency. His 73 turnovers since entering the NFL in 2019 are tied for the fifth-most in the league, and his career passer rating of 84.3 ranks second-worst among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 passes thrown in that period. Furthermore, Jones' performance has dipped this season, with his touchdown passes and passer rating ranking last among quarterbacks with at least 10 starts.

By deciding not to pursue Daniel Jones, the Cowboys seem to be betting on the players already on their roster to turn their season around. They will face the Washington Commanders next, hoping that Cooper Rush can steer them to a much-needed victory.