USATSI
The Dallas Cowboys currently don’t have a single quarterback other than Dak Prescott in their 53-man roster, but they welcomed two familiar faces to emergency depth on Wednesday, re-signing backup players Cooper Rush and Will Grier to their practice roster.
Hours later, the Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Rush will support Prescott. Rush will eventually be promoted to the active roster, likely the week of the team’s regular season opener, which begins September 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Both Rush and Grier were released as part of the team’s latest cuts on Tuesday but were set to return.
It is possible that both reserves will be moved to the active roster before Week 1, with several veteran player candidates being placed on injured reserve – with the intention of being reactivated during the season. The Cowboys can also promote players on the practice team for 53-man temporary assignments year-round.
Grier was subject to waivers upon his release, but Rush was not. The latter has spent most of his career with the Cowboys, playing in five games with one start last season. Overall, he completed 30 of 47 passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. On Rush’s one start, he defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-16 while throwing for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Grier is a former West Virginia-based Carolina Panthers third-round pick whom the Cowboys claimed from waivers last September. He is a candidate for the exercise team if unclaimed on waivers.