Cowboys Officially Signing New Quarterback: Here's Why

In the wake of Dak Prescott’s season-altering hamstring injury, the Dallas Cowboys are making critical moves to stabilize their quarterback position. Prescott, who’s in New York consulting with specialists on his injury, faces a likely season-ending surgery, leaving Dallas to search for depth after a disappointing 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium.

Backup Cooper Rush struggled in his first start since 2022, going 13-for-23 with just 45 passing yards and two costly fumbles. Third-string quarterback Trey Lance also failed to ignite the offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy has since stated that the team is sticking with Rush, despite owner Jerry Jones’s weekly declarations about a potential “Trey Lance Package.” 

With Prescott sidelined and the backups unable to find a rhythm, Dallas is officially signing a familiar face to the practice squad: Will Grier.

The Cowboys’ decision to sign Grier could reflect Dallas’ concerns over recent quarterback performances. However, it is likely just a signing to have an emergency quarterback added to the roster since the team has battled injury after injury this season - as our Mike Fisher puts it, "One more arm.''

Grier, originally a third-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, joined Dallas in 2021 as a third-string option but spent much of his tenure on the practice squad. Brief stints with the Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers practice squads eventually led Grier - who experienced a "folk-hero'' summer in Dallas in 2022 before he was cut following the Lance trade - back to Dallas after a short time with the Eagles earlier this season.

Grier’s return to Dallas is a tiny part of a larger strategy to reinforce a struggling offense and prevent further disruption as they prepare to host the Houston Texans. The Texans, despite injuries, have become one of the AFC’s top teams under quarterback C.J. Stroud's leadership, holding a 6-4 record and leading the AFC South. Yet, they arrive on a two-game skid, giving Dallas an opportunity to regain control on their home turf.