Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Cooper Rush

Sunday, October 27, 3:13 PM

The Carolina Panthers will not have quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) or running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Dalton is inactive after injuring his right thumb during a minor car accident earlier this week. His absence re-inserts Bryce Young into the Panthers starting lineup for Week 8. Meanwhile, Brooks is still on the non-football injury list after Carolina failed to activate him on Saturday. The rookie still has not made his NFL debut. The Panthers must activate him by November 6; if they don't, Brooks won't be able to play this season. Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders will handle most of Carolina's rushing opportunities until Brooks is healthy enough to play.

Sunday, January 5, 11:33 AM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance will start against the Washington Commanders in Week 18, according to insider Patrik Walker. Cooper Rush, who tallied 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions while filling in for Dak Prescott (hamstring), heads to the bench for Sunday's season finale. This move is not a reflection of Rush's performance but rather gives the Cowboys an opportunity to get extra game film on Lance as they continue to evaluate the quarterback position going forward. Both Rush and Lance are free agents in March, and it's likely that Dallas will only keep one (or zero) of them as Prescott's backup in 2025. In the short-term, Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick, gets a chance to showcase his talents against a Commanders team that intends to play all of its starters. The ex-49er has just 22 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception through limited action in 2024. He ranks as a mid-to-high QB3 in Week 18 with some extra upside thanks to his rushing ability.