Breaking News: Quarterback Cooper Rush Suffers Injury During Critical Game, Leaving Dallas Cowboys Fans Concerned About His Availability for Upcoming Weeks
In a heartbreaking turn of events for the Dallas Cowboys and their fanbase, backup quarterback Cooper Rush sustained an injury during the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, raising significant concerns about his ability to contribute in the coming weeks. Rush, who had filled in admirably for starting quarterback Dak Prescott in previous seasons, was forced to leave the game early after a hit left him visibly shaken. With Prescott still recovering from his own previous injury, the Cowboys’ quarterback situation has suddenly become a cause for major concern.
Rush, 29, was inserted as the team’s backup quarterback following Prescott’s injury in 2023 and quickly proved to be a reliable option in key moments. Over the past two seasons, Rush has led the Cowboys to several important victories, including a notable win over the Minnesota Vikings last year, proving that he could step in and command the offense when needed. His performance as a backup had given Cowboys fans a sense of security, knowing that their offense could stay competitive in Prescott’s absence.
However, disaster struck in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against Arizona when Rush took a hard hit from Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt, who had broken through the offensive line. Rush was knocked to the ground and immediately clutched his left shoulder in obvious pain. After being evaluated on the sideline by team medical staff, Rush was escorted to the locker room, and backup quarterback Will Grier took over the remainder of the game.
The Cowboys went on to win the game 24-14, but the victory was overshadowed by the injury to Rush, leaving the team with a cloud of uncertainty over the quarterback position moving forward. Head coach Mike McCarthy provided an update following the game but was cautious about Rush’s condition. “Cooper’s injury is still being evaluated, but right now, we’re taking it one step at a time,” McCarthy said. “We’ve got our medical team working with him, and we’ll know more in the coming days.”
Initial reports indicate that Rush is dealing with what appears to be a shoulder injury, although the exact nature and severity of the injury are still unclear. The Cowboys have not yet confirmed whether the injury is related to a shoulder sprain, fracture, or other potential issues. A timeline for his recovery has not been set, but sources close to the team have indicated that Rush will undergo further imaging tests to assess the damage.
The timing of Rush’s injury couldn’t come at a worse moment for the Cowboys, who are trying to maintain their momentum in the NFC East race. With Prescott still working his way back to full health after a thumb injury earlier in the season, Rush had been expected to step up if needed. The prospect of losing him for an extended period would leave the Cowboys with Grier as the only viable option behind Prescott, though Grier has yet to make a regular-season start in the NFL.
For now, the Cowboys’ coaching staff will likely turn to Grier, who has been with the team since 2022, to prepare as the primary backup quarterback. Grier has shown flashes of potential during his time in the preseason but has not yet been tested in a full game situation under regular-season pressure.
In the meantime, Cowboys fans are holding their breath, hoping that Rush’s injury is not as serious as it initially appeared. If Rush is unable to play in the upcoming weeks, the Cowboys will be forced to rely on Grier to step into the role of backup quarterback, which will only add to the already considerable pressure on the team to perform.
Rush, for his part, has been a key piece of the Cowboys’ success in recent seasons, providing steady play when called upon. His injury is a reminder of how fragile the quarterback position can be in the NFL, where injuries to key players can have a ripple effect on a team’s playoff aspirations.
As the Cowboys await more details on Rush’s injury, the focus will be on getting their backup quarterback healthy and ready to contribute—whether that means Cooper Rush returning to action soon or Will Grier stepping into a larger role if necessary.
