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todd archer
Landover, MD–The dallas cowboys Will miss the playoffs, but after Thursday win 30-23 against Washington Commandersquarterback dak prescott Reiterated that he wants to play in next week’s season finale New York Giants,
“I’m going to have some struggles,” Prescott said. “It depends on how it comes, what is the purpose, what is the reason. Obviously, I understand being approached about it, but the conversations we’ve already had about it are for me to play.”
Prescott was sacked six times in one season, and was rushed 11 times by the commanders. For the first time this season, he failed to complete 60% of his passes, completing 19 of 37 attempts for 307 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed four times for 24 yards.
Asked if Prescott would play against the Giants, Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer was coy.
“It’s Christmas,” Schottenheimer said. “I’m going to enjoy Christmas, man. I’m going to eat some eggnog. I’ll deal with it when I watch the movie, but definitely some eggnog. And we’re playing to win.”
With a win against New York, the Cowboys would avoid recording a losing record in back-to-back campaigns for the first time since they suffered three consecutive 5–11 seasons from 2000 to 2002.
Prescott said there is a “big difference” between finishing at 8-8-1 or 7-9-1.
“Very proud and I think it’s another reason why I want to play,” he said. “In one season [of] I’m healthy, in my entire life, career, I’ve never had a season under .500. So, that tie is going to trend really well. So, that’s a huge difference. It’s one of those things, I mean, yeah, it’s just pride. “Honestly, it’s a matter of pride.”
Prescott went 8-8 as a starter in 2019. The two times they have played fewer than nine games, the Cowboys have gone 6-10 (2020) and 7-10 (2024). This will be the third season in which Prescott has started a majority of games and the Cowboys have not reached the playoffs (2017, 2019).
Prescott said that every conversation he has had with Schottenheimer following the Cowboys’ exit from the postseason has been with the idea that he will start.
“I love this game,” Prescott said. “I love any opportunity to play in it. So, with that being said, yes, if I get a chance to go out there, I’m going to give my best. I’m going to prepare the same way. I’m going to be the same player.
“I understand the reasons why maybe not [to play]And if I am approached for it, I will handle it.”
The downside is huge if Prescott gets hurt. He is set to count over $74 million against the cap, though the Cowboys will restructure his deal to gain some cap space with a base salary of $40 million. Schottenheimer said he did not like that Prescott was hit as much as Washington.
“Again, we want to win,” Schottenheimer said. “We play to win. Eight-eight-and-one. Do the math; sounds much better than the alternative. But then, the other thing is, right now we’re 4-1 in the division [NFC East]This is a very good division, Historically, it’s been one of the best in football, and you can just watch today’s game and see how physical the games are,”
Prescott has won 14 consecutive games against the Giants, although the Cowboys needed a 64-yard field goal in overtime in a Week 2 win. He has not lost to New York since his rookie season in 2016. He believes the momentum with the win can continue into 2026.
“Winning helps everything,” Prescott said. “To finish off two of those with wins would be great for us.”
After Thursday’s contest, Prescott wore a sweatshirt that said “Wake Up Happy” on the front.
“Sure I’ll wake up happy,” he said, “but I’ll probably wake up a little sore, too.”
