The Dallas Cowboys released backup quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci in the process of reducing their roster from 80 to 53.
That leaves Cooper Rush as the last man standing in this underwhelming competition to be Dak Prescott‘s backup in Dallas.
The #DallasCowboys have released Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci, setting up Cooper Rush to be Dak Prescott’s backup.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 31, 2021
The Cowboys’ decision begs the question of whether they kept the right backup quarterback.
The answer is yes they did, but there are plenty of disclaimers associated with the answer.
Cooper Rush Was The Best Of The Three
As mentioned, this competition was underwhelming.
For the most part, Gilbert and DiNucci struggled, and Rush outplayed them.
In that respect, he was definitely the best one and the appropriate choice to keep as Dak’s backup.
Cowboys Need To Shop Around
The Cowboys are a week away from their opening game against the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We are told that Prescott is feeling better and ready to go, but how do we know if this is true?
In the preseason, we saw a glimpse of him throwing before suffering the shoulder injury that was supposedly nothing but took forever to recover from.
We also are told that his ankle is healed as well.
That may be true for the light workouts he has been doing, but is he really game-ready?
Both of those injuries are lingering concerns especially over the course of a 17-game regular season.
Dak’s health is a major concern for Cowboys fans, and Rush does not provide a winning track record if he is called upon.
Cooper Rush has never started an NFL game. He has thrown three passes in four years.
What sort of high bar is there? https://t.co/A6Mjvzpo0G
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 31, 2021
That’s why the Cowboys need to spend the next few days shopping for a backup quarterback.
Two experienced veterans come to mind quickly.
They are Cam Newton, newly released from the New England Patriots.
Jerry Jones: Sign Cam Newton. He was made to play for America's Team. Great showmanship. No threat to Dak. If necessary, could certainly win more games than Cooper Rush.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 1, 2021
And Nick Foles who looks to be the odd man out in Chicago.
"Dallas needs to get on the phone. It's called Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew."
— @ColinCowherd on the importance for the Cowboys to get insurance behind Dak Prescott: pic.twitter.com/BRb4Bf8Ti3
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 20, 2021
Cowboys fans saw what Foles did in 2017 with their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Conclusion
If the Cowboys are willing to invest that much money in Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, then they need to invest more in a backup quarterback who knows how to win.
Rush has been effective for the Cowboys as a practice squad quarterback.
That seems to be the appropriate place for him in 2021.
Rush should be the backup quarterback for just a few more days.
At that point, someone will take the initiative to get on the phone and get another quarterback in for a tryout and signed to a contract.
NEXT: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Is Back And Ready For Week 1
