Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has affirmed his intention to play in the team’s season finale against the New York Giants, despite the Cowboys being eliminated from playoff contention. Prescott cited personal pride and a desire to avoid a losing record as key motivations, emphasizing his commitment to finishing the season strong.
Following a 30-23 Christmas Day victory over the Washington Commanders, Prescott reiterated his plan to start in Week 18. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Cowboys, who improved to 7-8-1. Prescott, who threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns in the game, faced significant pressure, being sacked six times, but remained determined to play. He expressed that in seasons where he has been healthy, he has never finished with a record below .500, highlighting the importance of pride in his decision.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer offered a cautious response when asked about Prescott’s playing status, stating that he would review the situation after enjoying the holiday. However, he acknowledged the team’s focus on winning, suggesting that Prescott is likely to start. Schottenheimer noted the physical nature of the game against Washington and the desire to secure a .500 or better finish, which would be 8-8-1 with a win over the Giants.
Prescott’s insistence on playing comes with risks, given his high salary cap hit and potential injury concerns. He is set to count over $74 million against the cap next season, with plans to restructure his contract. Despite this, Prescott emphasized his love for the game and his preparation to perform at his best if given the opportunity. He has had conversations with Schottenheimer post-elimination, all under the assumption that he would continue as the starter.
The quarterback has a strong history against the Giants, having won 14 consecutive games against them since his rookie season in 2016. He believes that ending the season with victories could provide momentum heading into the 2026 campaign. Prescott’s leadership and experience are seen as vital for a team looking to rebound from a disappointing year and avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since the early 2000s.
In the Christmas Day game, the Cowboys’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, with an 86-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin standing out as the longest play from scrimmage in Christmas Day history. However, the team struggled in the second half, relying on field goals to maintain their lead. Aggressive play-calling on fourth down, converting all six attempts, was key to the victory.
Looking ahead, Prescott plans to take a more active role in offseason discussions with the front office, aiming to influence decisions that could shape the team’s future. As he approaches the latter stage of his career at age 33, his focus remains on contributing to a turnaround and building a winning culture in Dallas. The final game against the Giants will not only test his resolve but also set the tone for an critical offseason.
