6 Cowboys on the Hot Seat in the Second Half of Season

4 & 5. Cooper Rush & Trey Lance, QBs

With a hamstring injury likely ending Dak Prescott's season, the Cowboys will turn to backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance down the stretch. If either man plays his cards right, he could end up being Prescott's primary backup in 2025.

Unfortunately, neither signal-caller has done much to prove that they deserve the honor.

Rush, 30, has earned the reputation of being one of the NFL's better backup QBs during his time with the Cowboys, however, he hasn't exactly looked the part this season. In five appearances (1 start), the ex-Central Michigan product has only completed 56.5% of passes for 212 passing yards, one touchdown, an interception, and a 62.0 passer rating.

After Rush struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, the Cowboys handed the reins over to Lance beginning in the second quarter. The former 2021 third-overall selection didn't have much more success than his counterpart, going 4-of-6 (66.7%) in the pocket for 21 yards and an INT.

It's hard to tell if either gunslinger is capable of more. Rush essentially is who he is at this stage of his career while Lance has failed to live up to the hype that comes with being a top-three draft pick.

Both Rush and Lance are playing on expiring contracts, meaning it's up to them to prove that they deserve to be a part of the Cowboys' future plans. If they can't show that they're up to the test, Dallas could look to replace the duo either through the NFL draft or free agency.

6. Linval Joseph, DT

The Cowboys added some experience to their D-line when they signed two-time Pro Bowl tackle Linval Joseph to a one-year contract in the offseason.

Even though it had been nearly a decade since the former East Carolina product notched an individual accolade, the expectation was that he could still be a solid contributor in Year 15. After all, Joseph's two Pro Bowl appearances occurred when he played for the Zimmer-coached Minnesota Vikings back in 2016 and 2017.

Unfortunately, a reunion with the Cowboys DC hasn't helped the 36-year-old turn back the clock. Joseph has been limited to a career-low 29% of defensive snaps while recording six solo tackles, a sack, and one forced fumble in nine games. He's also played a role in Dallas' inability to stop opposing RBs, proven by his 31.9 run defense grade — sixth-worst among 121 eligible interior defenders.

Needless to say, Joseph will be under a lot of pressure down the stretch. His expiring contract means he has to step up if he wants to run things back with the Cowboys in 2025. If he fails to do so, it won't be surprising if other teams aren't willing to take the chance on the declining defensive tackle.

It's now or never for Joseph to prove himself if he hopes to continue his NFL career.

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