Mike McCarthy Adds to Trey Lance Buzz With New Comments

The state of uneasiness running throughout the Dallas Cowboys' organization right now involves several key areas, including quarterback. Dak Prescott's future with the team is in the air right now, stirring conversations about who could replace him if he and Dallas split.

Backup quarterback Trey Lance is one potential option, and he's received some major support this offseason from the Cowboys, including Prescott himself.

Now, it turns out head coach Mike McCarthy is adding to the hype.

Cowboys News: Mike McCarthy Adds to the Trey Lance Hype

McCarthy told reporters at Thursday's OTA session that he's "definitely" seen progress out of Lance this offseason. The HC even said Lance is approaching total mastery of the system and now it's about getting "as many reps as he can."

It's rare to see this type of high praise for a backup, especially when there's a clearly established starter on the roster. That being said, it's no coincidence the buzz around Lance is heating up while Prescott's contract status is unsettled.

Now, there's no telling Lance is starter-ready. However, Dallas clearly wasn't confident in the former No. 3 pick running the show last season without having the playbook down. With that accomplished, it now sounds like McCarthy wants to see Lance in action as much as possible this preseason.

That sets up a full-on QB competition this summer between Lance and Cooper Rush for the No. 2 spot. Rush hasn't been challenged lately, and his 4-1 stint as a starter in 2021 when Prescott was out might as well have been a lifetime ago in NFL terms.

Also working against Rush is the fact he's going to turn 31 this November and has never ascended beyond backup status in the NFL. The time is ticking on his career, while Lance's hasn't really started yet, so the latter is the clear option to dedicate developmental resources on.

Nothing's a given for Lance yet, but the hype around his progress is hard to ignore at this point.

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