Oxnard, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has confirmed that Trey Lance, the promising but still developing 24-year-old quarterback, will secure a spot on the team’s 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season. Following Tuesday’s practice, Jones expressed his desire to see continued improvement from Lance, but he was unequivocal about Lance’s place on the roster.
When asked whether Lance would make the regular-season roster, Jones responded, “That answer is yes. Yes, he’s going to be on the 53.”
While Jones did not elaborate on what this decision means for Cooper Rush—Dak Prescott’s backup in recent seasons—it’s clear that Lance has earned a vote of confidence from the Cowboys’ leadership. Rush has been taking second-team repetitions throughout training camp, leaving many to wonder how the quarterback lineup will ultimately shape up. NFL teams traditionally keep two or three quarterbacks on their rosters, and with cutdown day fast approaching, this announcement adds a layer of intrigue to the Cowboys’ final roster decisions.
Jerry Jones speaks with reporters at Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California, on Aug. 20, 2024.Aaron Kasinitz
NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 90 to 53 players by August 24 at 3 p.m. CDT, and Lance’s status in Dallas has become a topic of significant conversation. Jones’ comments could also be seen as a strategic move to boost Lance’s trade value by signaling the Cowboys’ intent to retain him. Regardless, Lance now has public assurance that he will remain with the team as the regular season nears.
Lance was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but his time in San Francisco didn’t go as planned. After struggling to find his footing and eventually losing his starting job due to injury, Lance was traded to the Cowboys late last August. He spent last season as the team’s No. 3 quarterback, behind Prescott and Rush.
This summer, Lance has had opportunities to showcase his skills in preseason action. He has completed 40 of 64 passes (62.5 percent) for 339 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions through two preseason games. Additionally, he has gained 78 yards and scored a touchdown on 13 carries.
Lance is expected to play a significant role in the preseason finale against the Chargers on Saturday. However, if Jones sticks to his word, Lance’s performance in that game will not affect his status on the 53-man roster when cutdown day arrives next week.
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