As we near the end of July, there are a few things coming to an end.
The days of leaving the house for work in disgust because my wife and kids get to sleep in during summer break and I don’t are almost over.
Starting next week, they will finally feel the pain of rising early that never ends for me with a daily 6am shift.
Another event is also coming to an end.
The deafening silence of the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys will finally meet it’s maker, as well.
The Cowboys’ players and coaches will report to training camp on July 26th.
That’s next Wednesday, and if you ask me, it can’t get here fast enough.
Training camp will be interesting this season with the changes made to the roster cutdown system.
Unlike previous years, teams will carry 90 players up until the final preseason game as opposed to cutting players at structured deadlines.
If you thought evaluating who is winning camp battles and figuring out the final roster was difficult before, prepare yourself.
Today, I am going to kick off a series pointing out players who will be in camp battles throughout the summer.
We will start at the top of the roster at quarterback.
Quarterback
Established Starter(s): Dak Prescott
Battle for Backup: Cooper Rush, Will Grier
The new rule change of carrying a third quarterback for emergencies all but guarantees both Cooper Rush and Will Grier will make the roster.
This battle is essentially more for the right to be the established second string behind starter Dak Prescott.
Cooper Rush
Rush had limited opportunities over the years to show what he could do when given the reins to the offense.
Over the past couple of seasons, he has proven to be more than viable as a backup.
In a spot start versus the Vikings during the 2021 season, Rush executed the first 4th quarter comeback of his career.
In front of a raucous crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Halloween, Rush “tricked” the Vikings into a loss.
Dallas did not hold a lead until the go-ahead score in the 4th quarter, and were held to just three first half points.
Rush engineered three scoring drives in the second half, including 225 yards passing and two touchdowns.
In 2022, Rush was again called upon due to a thumb injury suffered by Prescott in Week 1 versus the Buccaneers.
This time it wasn’t just a spot start.
Rush ended up starting five games for the Cowboys, and finished with a 4-1 record.
His only loss was at the eventual NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite the loss, he was able to keep Dallas within one possession until late in the 4th quarter.
Rush saved the Cowboys season, and was re-signed to a handsome contract this offseason to show the team’s appreciation.
Will Grier
Grier is much more difficult to evaluate because he has not had the same opportunities as Rush.
It was reported last offseason that Grier appeared to be winning the battle to be Dak’s backup in training camp and preseason.
He suffered a setback with an injured groin, and it is likely the reason he was not named the second quarterback on the roster.
Grier brings a skillset similar to Dak’s, with a strong arm and above average mobility.
We will see if a healthy Grier can again push Rush for the backup role.
Prediction
When in doubt, follow the money.
Unless Grier shows to be miles ahead of Rush during training camp and preseason, there is no reason to believe the order on the depth chart will change.
A close competition will be decided by favoring Rush’s larger financial investment to Grier’s.
Rush will start the season as second string behind Dak, and Grier will serve as the emergency third quarterback who will still suit up on game days.