Cooper Rush questionable for Cowboys-Packers, Trey Lance could serve as backup QB

Cooper Rush, Dak Prescott’s backup, now is questionable for the Cowboys-Packers playoff game on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium. There’s a possibility that Trey Lance could be QB2.

Of course, none of this matters so long as Prescott, who leads the NFL in touchdown passes. stays healthy and upright. The team’s injury report lists Rush with no practices this week because of an illness. His status for the game is questionable.

The Cowboys traded for Lance late in training camp, sending a fourth-round draft pick to the 49ers. Lance was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft. But he became expendable when Brock Purdy did so well last season after Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

#Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush has missed practice because of illness the past two days and is questionable for tomorrow’s playoff game against the #Packers.

This creates the possibility for Trey Lance to be the No. 2 QB behind Dak Prescott for the first time in Dallas.

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 13, 2024

Because Prescott has stayed so healthy this season, Rush got to stay on the sidelines. He made appearances in seven games as some Cowboys games got out of hand. His last appearance was in Dallas’ regular-season finale. He subbed in late for Prescott as the Cowboys beat the Commanders, 38-10.

Lance hasn’t played this season.

In other Cowboys moves, Dallas elevated linebackers Malik Jefferson and Buddy Johnson from the practice squad to the game-day roster. Both players are from the Dallas area. Jefferson starred for the Texas Longhorns, while Johnson was a Texas A&M standout.