Dallas Cowboys face major Week 18 decision with surprise star of 2024 in line for $500k contract bonus from Jerry Jones
In Week 18, the Dallas Cowboys must make a crucial quarterback choice that might cost them $500,000.
Since Dak Prescott sustained a season-ending injury in Week 9, Cooper Rush has been the team’s leader.
In recent weeks, Rush, 31, has guided the squad to a mini-revival, going from 3-7 to 7-9.
He will also be eligible for a sizable payment if he plays against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Rush’s contract stipulates that he will receive $500,000 if he participates in 55% of the team’s games this season.
Additionally, he receives $250,000 for playing 45% of the snaps.
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Rush has participated in 52.5% of the downs under center as of Week 18.
To win the $500,000 prize, he probably needs to play the majority of the Week 18 game.
The sum is a significant bonus on his $6 million, two-year contract with the Cowboys.
Trey Lance might start at quarterback if Rush is benched.
When Prescott had an injury during the season, Rush was chosen for the position over Lance.
During his press conference this week, head coach Mike McCarthy made no mention of the quarterback problem.
With his contract expiring on January 14, McCarthy also had to deal with concerns about his own future.
“I do appreciate the chance to speak on it,” he remarked.
“I think the objective is to make sure I’m doing precisely what I’m asking everyone else to do, because I’ve been answering this question in the same way for how many months now?
“We must complete the race.
“Considering our coach contract situation, it’s been a difficult year.
Week 18 schedule changes
The full schedule for Week 18 of the regular season has been released by the NFL.
With everything on the line, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will square off in prime time on Sunday night.
The victor of Sunday’s match at 8:20 p.m. ET will be named the NFC North champions and the first seed in the playoffs, while the loser will have to make do with a wild card berth.
ESPN and ABC will broadcast a doubleheader on Saturday to kick off Week 18.
At 4:30 p.m. ET, the Baltimore Ravens play the Cleveland Browns, and at 8:00 p.m. ET, the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Sunday, eight games will start at 1 pm ET.
At 4:25 PM ET, there will be five more, including the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos game.
“It’s stating the obvious, but we’ll have time to talk about that next week.”
“I think the future is bright and we have a lot of things in place here,” McCarthy continued.
“We need to take a step back after next week, and obviously a lot of decisions got to be made, a lot of business decisions got to be made because of our contract situation, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Regarding the head coach dilemma, owner Jerry Jones was also questioned.
“What I’m not going to do is to get into any indication one way or the other that I’m not interested in having Mike back,” Jones stated.
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“I absolutely do not want it to be the case.
“We got this game ahead of us, but I’ll assure you I’ve been for weeks thinking about how we’ll go forward after this season.”
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