The Dallas Cowboys are reaching the final stretch of the 2025 season with little margin left and even less optimism outside the building.
A 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15 pushed Dallas closer to the edge, and playoff projections now paint a bleak picture.
That context quickly fueled speculation about Dak Prescott‘s role moving forward. With the playoffs nearly out of reach, some wondered whether head coach Brian Schottenheimer might protect his quarterback and use the final weeks to get a longer look at backup Joe Milton.
Yet, Schottenheimer shut that idea down without hesitation.
“I want to win,” he told reporters. “So, the plan will be to play Dak.”
The message was unmistakable. Dallas is not treating the closing weeks as an audition period. The goal, even now, is to compete.
Sunday’s loss in Minnesota reflected the frustrating rhythm of the Cowboys‘ season. Prescott finished 23 of 38 for 294 yards, moving the offense between the twenties but failing to generate touchdowns through the air.
Opportunities were there, execution was not, and the result left Dallas still chasing the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East while slipping further behind in the overall conference picture.
Why Dallas is holding the line at quarterback
From the coaching staff’s perspective, staying the course makes sense. Prescott‘s season has been productive on paper, even if the results have not followed consistently.
Through 14 games, he has thrown for 3,931 yards and 26 touchdowns, numbers that place him among the league’s more effective passers. The Cowboys believe that removing him from the lineup would do more harm than good, both competitively and culturally.
Joe Milton, while intriguing, remains largely untested. Acquired from the New England Patriots in April with the 193rd overall pick, Milton has seen limited action since arriving in Dallas.
His rookie season included just one appearance, during which he threw for 241 yards and a touchdown. This year, he has appeared in two games in brief relief, totaling 99 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception.
At 6-7-1, the Cowboys still have tangible goals, even if the postseason remains unlikely.
Finishing the year with strong performances matters for confidence, evaluation of the roster around Prescott, and setting a tone heading into the offseason. How the team handles adversity now could shape how it approaches change later.
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