During this year’s trade deadline, the Cowboys were notably silent. After losing to the Falcons 27–21 on Sunday, Mike McCarthy’s team dropped to 3-5 after a terrible start to the season. In Week 8, Dallas lost more than just that. Big-money quarterback Dak Prescott had a hamstring injury that forced him to leave the game. Additional testing suggests that the problem is really substantial and won’t be resolved anytime soon. So far, Cowboys fans have had a forgettable year. It’s possible that the heartache could worsen over the next weeks given their lack of trading activity. Here are the specifics of Dallas’ trade deadline actions—and inaction.
Cowboys trade deadline, explained
In order to strengthen a roster that struggled to a 3-5 record right out of the gate, the Cowboys went into this year’s trade deadline. By signing WR Jonathan Mingo, the Panthers’ 2023 second-round pick, they partially achieved that objective. However, the constant flow of actions that many in Dallas’ camp had hoped for never materialised. Even the acquisition of Mingo turned out to be expensive, as the Cowboys had to give up a fourth-round pick. In contrast, when they were dealt, Mike Williams, Diontae Johnson, and DeAndre Hopkins all received fifth-round picks.
Prior to this year’s trade deadline, Prescott’s injury and Dallas’ struggles during the season appeared to have sent the team into purgatory. The Cowboys were willing to deal components away if it made sense, according to vice executive Stephen Jones. This was an unexpected admission considering Dallas had previously seemed to be acting in a buy-now manner. According to The Athletic, Stephen Jones stated, “Trades are always both ways.” “If something makes sense, we’ll definitely take a look.”
Why did the Cowboys pass up a quarterback trade?
The two most prominent candidates to succeed Prescott in his absence are Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Some others think Dallas may have tried to use the trading market to obtain another choice. Rush, though, has already shown himself to be a reliable Prescott substitute. In 30 professional games, Rush has a 5-1 record, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions. In 2022, he also helped Dallas qualify for the postseason by guiding America’s Team to four victories during Prescott’s absence due to a fractured thumb. In the meanwhile, Lance hasn’t had many chances, but if Rush falters, McCarthy might find his dual threat skill set appealing.
In any case, the Cowboys want to trust their quarterback and supporting group to keep the ship afloat while Prescott is out. Given the dearth of exceptional quarterback trade prospects, that could be a wise decision.
Dak Prescott is out for how long?
Prescott’s hamstring injury will probably keep him out of action for at least four weeks. During his weekly visit on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated that he anticipated Prescott being placed on injured leave. Jones stated, “It’s an extended period of time here,” according to ESPN. “When it could be, I wouldn’t dare make a prediction. We’ll see how his rehabilitation goes. At the very least, he would miss the next four games due to that absence. He wouldn’t be able to return until Dallas’ “Monday Night Football” game against the Bengals in Week 14, assuming he is placed on injured leave.
Why didn’t the Cowboys trade for a RB?
In recent weeks, Dallas has had trouble running the ball. After eight weeks, the Cowboys have the lowest yardage per carry in the league at 3.8. Dallas chose not to upgrade the backfield, which was led by Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, even though reinforcements could have been deployed there.