The Dallas Cowboys are closing out a disappointing season with a game against the Washington Commanders, treating the matchup almost like a preseason game in January. While many players will be resting, one notable name is set to take the field: quarterback Trey Lance.
According to a team source, Lance is “in the game plan” for the season finale, marking a long-awaited opportunity for the young signal-caller.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys made a roster move on Friday, signing cornerback Luq Barcoo to their practice squad. This comes in response to cornerback Kemon Hall being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Barcoo, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback out of San Diego State, was undrafted in 2020 but has had stints with several NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Most recently, he played in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas before briefly joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in June.
The Cowboys’ injury report for Sunday also includes several key players. Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (toe), defensive tackle Mazi Smith (pelvis), linebacker Nick Vigil (foot), and safety Donovan Wilson (knee) are all questionable. However, star linebacker Micah Parsons (wrist) is cleared to play after being a full participant in practice.
As Dallas prepares to head into the offseason after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is steering his team toward a hopeful playoff run. Quinn, a former Cowboys defensive coordinator, expressed gratitude for his new role in Washington.
“I’ve had a blast coaching this team,” Quinn said. “We’ve been working hard on our identity, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with them.”
For Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, this game could mark the end of his tenure in Dallas. With his contract expiring at the end of the season and his future uncertain, McCarthy reflected on his time with the Cowboys and the emotions tied to AT&T Stadium.
“I won a Super Bowl in that home locker room at AT&T Stadium, and I feel that every time I walk in and out of there,” the 61-year-old coach said. “I’m not thinking about the end right now, but I’m in tune with how much this place has meant to me.”
As the Cowboys face an offseason of questions, including decisions about coaching staff and roster moves, their focus remains on ending the season with a strong effort against a Commanders team looking toward the playoffs.
