The Dallas Cowboys appear to be content with playing Dak Prescott the rest of the season, with The Athletic's Jon Machota reporting that Stephen Jones made it clear that Dak would be playing on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders. It is an odd stance to take for an older quarterback who has already suffered two season-ending injuries in his career. Putting Prescott in harm's way in games that no longer matter defies logic and is borderline malpractice for an organization with a losing mindset.
The quarterback has been incredible this season, already surpassing 4,000 passing yards and reaching 28 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. What has prevented Dallas from playoff relevance isn't their franchise quarterback or the offense, but a defense incapable of stopping anyone when the game matters most. That is why the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention with three games remaining, and it illustrates why Dallas should be protecting its future instead of focusing on winning meaningless games.
Prescott will be 33 before the start of the 2026 season and has taken a lot of punishment in an accomplished career. Common sense would suggest shutting down a veteran quarterback who has nothing left to prove in the regular season. Dallas has built its entire team around the highly paid quarterback and would be wise to protect its high-dollar investment.
Cowboys Make Awful Decision Putting Dak Prescott in Harm's Way in Meaningless Final Two Games
Instead, it seems the front office and coaching staff are content to play out the year and simply hope for the best for the signal caller. It is important to note that there is zero chance that Prescott wants to be pulled. Based on the quarterback's play style and demeanor, there is no doubt he is a gamer who will want to play out the season, whether it has meaning or not.
This only amplifies the fact that you have an important leader and tone setter who should be protected from himself in two meaningless games. Dallas is set to play the Commanders and the New York Giants, two division rivals who've featured capable pass rushes throughout the 2025 season.
Prescott is going to get the best shot from both opposing defenses, making it all the more clear why there is no reason to take the risk. Putting your franchise quarterback on the field when the games lack any meaning whatsoever speaks to an organization unfocused on protecting its future and understanding the present value of a franchise quarterback.
For the Cowboys, the best path forward is to competitively lose to bolster the value of their first-round pick, while protecting the franchise quarterback and evaluating his backup. This is clearly the best choice for the Cowboys, who seem allergic to making the obvious decision. A theme that has haunted the franchise throughout the 2025 season, and one that fans can only hope doesn't continue as the team opts to put its franchise star in harm's way.