Trey Lance

What's Happening with Trey Lance? Cowboys QB Set for Week 18 Start

The football world is buzzing about Trey Lance, the young quarterback who is finally set to make his first start for the Dallas Cowboys in their Week 18 finale against the Washington Commanders. After being acquired in a trade before the 2023 season, Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been waiting in the wings. This development has significant implications for the Cowboys, the quarterback landscape, and even other players on the roster. This article will delve into the official news surrounding Lance's start, explore the background context, analyze the potential impact, and consider the future implications of this move.

Official Coverage: Trey Lance's Debut

The primary news driving this story is the official announcement that Trey Lance will be starting at quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in their Week 18 game. This information is verified through two credible news outlets: Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports.

Yahoo Sports: Cowboys Starting Trey Lance

According to Yahoo Sports, the Dallas Cowboys are set to start Trey Lance at quarterback for their Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders. This marks Lance's first start for the Cowboys since being acquired in a trade before the 2023 season. As the article states, "The Cowboys traded for Lance, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, before the 2023 season but hadn't yet started him in a game." This confirms the long wait for Lance to see meaningful playing time in Dallas. This start is not due to an injury to the starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, as Prescott is healthy and ready to play.

CBS Sports: The Impact on Cooper Rush

CBS Sports provides a different angle to the story, highlighting the impact of Lance's start on backup quarterback Cooper Rush. The article reports that Cooper Rush lost out on a $250,000 bonus because he is not starting the game. This is a direct result of Lance getting the nod. As CBS Sports detailed: "ARLINGTON, Texas -- Despite starting longtime backup Cooper Rush in every game since quarterback Dak Prescott's season-ending injury (hamstring tear in Week ...". This quote indicates that Rush had been the primary backup and even filled in as a starter when Prescott was injured. However, the injury mentioned is outdated as Prescott is healthy and has been playing.

The CBS Sports article emphasizes the financial implications for Rush, noting how the decision to start Lance has cost Rush a significant bonus he would have received for playing in the game. This underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and how roster decisions can directly affect players' earnings.

Background Context: Trey Lance's Journey

To fully understand the significance of Trey Lance starting for the Cowboys, it's essential to examine his journey leading up to this moment. Lance was drafted as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He was considered a high-potential prospect with impressive physical abilities and a strong arm. However, his time in San Francisco was marred by injuries and inconsistent playing time, leading to the 49ers trading him to the Cowboys before the 2023 season.

Note: The following information is from search results and requires verification.

Lance's time in San Francisco was seen as a disappointment by some. He struggled to consistently perform at the NFL level and was often sidelined by injuries. The 49ers ultimately decided to move on from him, opting to go with Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback. This led to the trade to Dallas, where Lance was expected to develop as a potential future starter.

The trade to the Cowboys was seen as a fresh start for Lance. However, he has primarily served as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. The move to start him in Week 18 is a surprising development, given his lack of playing time with the Cowboys. There has been some speculation that the Cowboys are using this game as an opportunity to evaluate Lance's potential before the offseason.

Impact Analysis: The Significance of Lance's Start

The decision to start Trey Lance in Week 18 has several significant impacts:

1. Evaluation of Trey Lance: This game provides the Cowboys with a crucial opportunity to evaluate Trey Lance's skills and potential in a live game setting. It allows them to assess whether he can be a viable option as a future starter or backup. This evaluation is crucial for the Cowboys' long-term quarterback planning.

2. Impact on Cooper Rush: As reported by CBS Sports, Cooper Rush loses a $250,000 bonus due to Lance's start. This highlights the direct financial consequences of the decision. It also underscores the competitiveness of the NFL and the precarious nature of backup roles.

3. Team Dynamics: The decision may have implications for team morale and dynamics. While professional athletes understand the business side of the game, a decision like this can cause some friction within the locker room.

4. League-Wide Interest: Lance's start will draw significant attention from across the league. Teams will be watching closely to see how he performs, potentially impacting his trade value or future opportunities.

5. Fan Reaction: There is likely to be a mixed reaction from fans. Some fans will be excited to see Lance get a chance, while others may be confused by the decision to bench Rush or rest Prescott in a game that could impact playoff seeding.

Future Implications: What's Next for Trey Lance?

The future implications of Trey Lance's Week 18 start are significant:

1. Cowboys' Quarterback Strategy: Lance's performance in this game could heavily influence the Cowboys' quarterback strategy for the upcoming season. If he performs well, they may consider him a viable option as a backup or even a potential future starter. If he struggles, they may look to other options in the draft or free agency.

2. Trey Lance's Career: This game is a critical opportunity for Lance to prove that he can still be a successful quarterback in the NFL. A strong performance could revive his career and open up new opportunities. A poor performance could further solidify his status as a backup or journeyman.

3. Trade Value: Lance's performance in Week 18 could impact his trade value. If he performs well, the Cowboys could have a valuable trade asset. If he struggles, his trade value could diminish.

4. Cooper Rush's Future: The decision to start Lance may also have implications for Cooper Rush's future with the Cowboys. If Lance performs well, Rush may be forced to look for opportunities elsewhere.

5. League-Wide Quarterback Landscape: The results of this game could influence how other teams view young quarterbacks who have struggled to find their footing in the NFL. It could be a case study in the value of second chances and the importance of a team's development strategy.

In conclusion, Trey Lance's first start for the Dallas Cowboys is a significant event with far-reaching implications. It's not just about a single game; it's about the potential future of a young quarterback, the financial impact on other players, and the overall strategy of a prominent NFL franchise. The outcome of this game will be closely watched by teams, fans, and analysts across the league.