Analysis

Lance was the Cowboys' third-string quarterback the past two seasons, after they traded a fourth-round pick for him shortly before the start of the 2023 campaign. He played decent in his one start -- a 23-19 loss to Washington in Week 18 of this past season -- but it sounds like the Cowboys would rather draft a new quarterback to develop behind starter Dak Prescott. Both Lance and second-stringer Cooper Rush are scheduled for free agency this spring, with Jones already suggesting that Rush's solid work as a backup may have priced him out of the Cowboys' range.

Analysis

Making his first start since Week 2 of the 2022 season with the 49ers, Lance came out hot, producing back-to-back completions over 30 yards to Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin to set up a field goal on the first drive. Lance continued to move the offense well and didn't turn the ball over, but the Cowboys frequently stalled in scoring range, settling for four field goals prior to a two-yard Rico Dowdle rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. The third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is set to become a free agent in the offseason, and it's unclear if Dallas will make an effort to retain him.

Analysis

The Cowboys haven't made an official announcement on a Week 18 starter, but Tommy Yarrish of the team's official web site relays that Lance was seen taking some first-team snaps in warmups. Slater's report adds further credence to the notion that the Cowboys will turn the offense over to Lance, even though Cooper Rush is active after starting each of the last eight games. It's possible that Rush will end up seeing some snaps off the bench, but the likelihood that Lance sees the majority -- if not all -- of the playing time under center puts him on the radar as a lineup option in both DFS and season-long leagues that are still active in Week 18. Lance hasn't displayed much aptitude as a passer during his time in the NFL, but he's been a willing and productive rusher.

Analysis

Even with No. 1 QB Dak Prescott sidelined since he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury Week 9, Cooper Rush has handled just about all the reps under center in the meantime, while Lance has completed five of seven passes for 22 yards, no touchdowns and an interception and recorded five carries for 15 yards in three mostly brief appearances. Rapoport also noted that Rush still may start Week 18, but Lance should receive plenty of run to see how he handles extended game action. The breakdown of reps between Rush and Lance hasn't been made clear, though, so it remains to be seen what kind of workload either player will have Sunday.

Analysis

The 24-year-old quarterback took over for Cooper Rush on the Cowboys' final possession in a 41-7 rout, marking Lance's third appearance of the season. Lance has done very little with his opportunities, completing five of seven passes for 22 yards and an interception while adding 15 yards on five carries. With Dallas just playing out the string, Lance could see a bigger workload in Week 18 against the Commanders and potentially even get a start, but the pending free agent seems unlikely to be a part of the Cowboys' 2025 plans.

Analysis

Though Cooper Rush made his third straight start Sunday, head coach Mike McCarthy made good on his promise that the Cowboys would have a package of plays available for Lance in a backup role. Lance entered the game on a 1st-and-goal chance at the three-yard line, but he couldn't find any room on his lone rushing attempt and was immediately subbed back out for Rush, who completed a six-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert on the next play. Assuming Rush is able to play through the knee issue that resulted in him being listed as a limited participant Monday on the Cowboys' initial Week 13 injury report, Lance will remain in a backup role for Thursday's game against the Giants.

Analysis

Cooper Rush got the start at quarterback for the Cowboys with Dak Prescott (hamstring) out, but the veteran backup had trouble moving the ball and lost two fumbles. Lance took over the offense after Rush's second turnover, but he had his own issues, getting picked off in the fourth quarter on a deep ball intended for Jalen Tolbert that the wideout never even turned around to track. The score was 28-6 when Lance was brought in, so it's not clear if the switch was due to the blowout nature of the game, or if it was a signal that he'll get a real chance to claim the top job in Prescott's absence.

Analysis

Per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Prescott was "likely" to be sent to the Cowboys' injured reserve list. In that case, he'd have to miss at least the next four games, during which time Cooper Rush likely would step into a starting role with Lance as his backup.

Analysis

Lance will once again serve as the Cowboys' emergency third quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.