Mike McCarthy says Trey Lance is close to mastering Cowboys offense

Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush have to start watching their backs this offseason. Former first-rounder Trey Lance is “mastering” the Cowboys offense this year, according to head coach Mike McCarthy, which could mean the young quarterback is a mistake or injury away from taking over the reins in Dallas. On Thursday, McCarthy opened up about Lance’s growth from last season to OTAs this year.

“You’ve got the learning curve but now he’s starting to get the timing,” McCarthy said. “He’s close to being a master of the system. He’s got high understanding, he just needs as many reps as he can get.”

The Cowboys will play Lance a considerable amount during the preseason even though he was the third-stringer last year. He’ll have opportunities against three West Coast teams during the preseason – the Rams, Raiders and Chargers.

“He’s crossing the thresholds in training, and I’ve been very, very pleased,” McCarthy said last week. “His athletic ability is top-notch. We’ve adjusted some things in his motion — I don’t want to get into specifics — but you can see the improvement in timing.”

Although the Cowboys picked up the roster bonus on Lance for this season, his status beyond that is up in the air. If he manages to beat out Rush for the No. 2 spot, he’ll have a much better case for a new deal next March.

Dak Prescott: Lance is ‘pushing me’

Dak Prescott praised Lance last week for helping him get better by pushing him during practices. Dallas gave up a fourth-round pick to acquire the former 49ers draftee and though they did it without letting the starter know, the two have developed a good working relationship.

“I’m excited for where he is now,” Prescott said, via Jon Machota. “He works his ass off. He’s pushing me. I’m somebody that I don’t like to let other people get more reps than me, and Trey is the person I need to watch because he’s trying to get up there on the rep count. That’s a testament to him and how much he’s putting into this. I’ve seen it. He’s gotten better. He can play.”

“As long he is getting better, I promise you, I’m getting better,” he added. “I encourage it. I hope he pushes me. I’m confident in the person and player that I am. I hope he does. I hope he pushes me.”

In three years in the league, Lance has started in just four games, owning a 2-2 record. He’s completed 56-of-102 passes for 797 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has yet to take a snap for Dallas during a regular-season game, but that could be coming soon.