Will the Cowboys Starting QB Play In Their Final Preseason Game?
It was a slow day at the office for the Dallas Cowboys' second preseason affair of 2025. This time, they faced off against the Baltimore Ravens, and similarly to their last game against the Rams, they would go on to lose. With only one game left in the Cowboys' preseason against the Atlanta Falcons, the question arises: Should Dallas play their starters? This is particularly relevant for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' leader, who is returning from a season-ending injury last year.
The Cowboys are known throughout the NFL as one of the few teams that consistently refuse to play their starters during the preseason. Since Prescott arrived in the NFL, he has only played in four different editions of the preseason, with his last game coming in the 2019 preseason. The Cowboys' decision not to play their starters, particularly Prescott, originated during former head coach Mike McCarthy's first year, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. History has shown mixed results for Prescott's performances on opening day after not playing in the preseason. His best performance came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, where he threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a narrow 31-29 loss.
With just over two and a half weeks remaining until the Cowboys face the Eagles in the NFL season opener, should Dallas give Prescott some playing time in their final preseason game? The logical answer should be yes for the Cowboys; however, with how the Cowboys operate, it is likely, Prescott will not receive any action. Oddly enough, Prescott’s great performance against the Buccaneers back in 2021 is possibly a major indicator as to why he’s likely not to suit up. This year's game versus the Eagles has an identical scenario to the Buccaneers game, with Prescott playing off a season-ending injury in the very first game of the season against the reigning Super Bowl champions in their stadium. If the Cowboys choose not to play Prescott in their final preseason game, which is the likely answer, they will hope that he can turn back the clock to his 2021 performance, but this time come out with a win. Currently, the preferred option is for Joe Milton to continue acclimating to the Cowboys' offense and participate in live-action football again.
