Is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones backing Cooper Rush over Dak Prescott at quarterback?

The franchise owner appears to have given his vote to the backup, but what does that mean for the starting QB who is currently out with an injury.

Cowboys’ Jerry Jones likes the idea of QB competition

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has never been one to shy away from giving his thoughts. With that in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when questioned about the QB situation in Dallas at the moment, Jones was as true to form as ever. To be clear, the Cowboys’ owner has maintained optimism about Dak Prescott’s return from injury following his thumb fracture, however, considering his most recent comments, it would appear he wouldn’t mind competition for the position. That’s where Cooper Rush comes in and the Cowboys’ coming game against the New York Giants, which is something Jones sees as reminiscent of the past when Prescott stepped in for Tony Romo.

“Of course, I want it,” Jones said, per The Athletic, when asked about what happens if Rush performs beyond expectation. “If (Rush) comes in there and plays as well as Prescott played...over these next games ahead, I’d walk to New York to get that. ...Of course, we want Dak to be here next week. That’s the thing, you do. But Dak and I want Rush to lead the team to a victory here and get another win. Looking back, when Dak was playing instead of Tony, it was game by game. ...So, do I think that it’s possible for Rush to come in here and play at a level and win games the way Prescott did when he took over for Romo? Yes, I do. Yes, I do. I certainly think that’s possible.”

What’s the deal with Prescott vs Rush?

When he was questioned further about the possibility of Rush replacing Prescott even after the latter returns from injury, Jones would only reference Romo once again saying, “Well it was impossible, ostensibly, that Prescott could play that well (years ago) and keep Romo out of the...game.”

With Jones’ comments in mind, there’s still the reality which we have to consider. By all accounts, Prescott is not far off from a return to the field, with CEO Stephen Jones recently indicating it could be as soon as Week 4 or 5. Add to that the fact that Prescott is one year out from a four-year, $160 million extension with the franchise - he’d be one of the highest paid in his position - and you’ve got yourself a situation where he’s not likely to be put on the back burner. Where Rush is concerned, his upcoming date with New York will only be his second career start. His most recent was of course Dallas’ upset of the Bengals last week. Watch this space.