Trey Lance proves to be another mistake for the Cowboys

America loves an underdog story, but America’s team doesn’t seem particularly interested in writing one.

Trey Lance — the former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft that the Cowboys acquired from the 49ers about 15 months ago — will not start this Sunday in place of injured franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.

Instead, Cooper Rush, the 30-year veteran backup who has spent his entire career supporting Prescott, will start at center when the Cowboys (3-5) face their division rival Eagles (6-2).

With Prescott headed for IR and potentially done for the season according to ESPN, one would think that Lance would get his chance.

The idea was that if Dak Prescott was ever unavailable, Lance could be their answer. Right?

Apparently wrong.

“It’s Cooper [Rush’s] Chance,” head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday — even though Lance says he’s ready to go.

“Last year was a completely different story, I feel prepared…” Lance told reporters the same day. “I feel like I’m doing really well at the moment as I’ve had a full year [with the Cowboys’ offense] under my belt.”

During his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Lance would see the field Sunday, but only after and behind Rush.

“Oh, there is a window for Trey Lance, there are packages we can work on,” Jones said. “Let me be clear, this isn’t just about getting Lance some playing time, it’s about giving us some offense… He’s a big threat with his legs.”

If he’s a big threat with his legs, Cowboys fans would like to see it.

If there’s a glimmer of hope for the future of the 24-year-old, considered by some to be one of the biggest busts in recent history, the league would like to see it.

How much is left worth watching on a dizzying Dallas team that had the ninth-best championship chances at the start of the season?

If Lance doesn’t play now, it’s unclear when he would ever get the chance in Dallas.