Despite a solid start from third-string Ben DiNucci, the Dallas Cowboys are hopeful that Andy Dalton can return.
DiNucci was actually one of the lone positives as he completed over 50% of his passes for 180 yards. However, DiNucci couldn’t find the endzone as the Cowboys lost 23-9 to the Philadelphia Eagles to fall to 2-6 on the season. In the game, DiNucci recorded two fumbles to bring his total to four this season.
Dalton missed last week’s action due to being in concussion portal. Dalton was knocked out of a 25-3 loss to the Washington Football Team from a hit by Jonathan Bostic. Heading into Monday, the Cowboys were optimistic that Dalton will be able to return for Week 9’s matchup with the 7-0 Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Mike McCarthy said there are no major injuries to announce coming out of last night’s game,” said The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “He said Andy Dalton hasn’t officially cleared concussion protocol. The Cowboys are hopeful that will happen soon and Dalton will start Sunday.”
The Cowboys have a 10% chance of making the playoffs and their future does not look favorable. After the Steelers, the Cowboys have games with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Football Team, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. Even if the Cowboys won three of those games, the Cowboys would still be in a 5-7 hole and potentially would have to win out.
Can Dalton pull that miracle off? That looks unlikely.
The Cowboys are 0-3 since Dalton and DiNucci have taken over. Those losses include being outscored 86-22 by the Cardinals, Washington Football Team, and Eagles.
It’s been a disaster, but one stat is taking over social media. The Cowboys have scored more points in Prescott’s final fourth quarter (24) than they have in three games combined without him (22).