Andy Dalton Injury: Why the Cowboys are Turning to Garrett Gilbert or Cooper Rush

The Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a significant blow with the injury to their starting quarterback, Andy Dalton. The veteran QB has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Dak Prescott out for the season due to an ankle injury, the Cowboys are left scrambling for a replacement.

Head coach Mike McCarthy explained the team's decision to start either Garrett Gilbert or Cooper Rush in Dalton's absence. 'We're going to let those two guys practice, we're going to go through the week and then make a decision,' he said.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has a lot of confidence in both quarterbacks, citing their experience with the system. 'Coop played last year, is very familiar with the system,' he said. 'Garrett Gilbert has been here for a couple of weeks, he's had a chance to play in preseason games.'

Gilbert and Rush split practice reps on Wednesday, giving McCarthy and Moore a chance to evaluate their performance. While neither quarterback has extensive experience, they both have potential.

The Cowboys are still awaiting word on Dalton's status, but as of Tuesday afternoon, they hadn't been told to enter intensive protocol after designating him for the reserve/COVID-19 list. He must return a series of negative coronavirus tests to gain re-entry into the facility, which would likely rule him out for Sunday's game.

'We'll see how he goes throughout the time he's on this COVID list, but I think by the end of next week we'll be able to see him again,' McCarthy said.

The Cowboys will need to make a decision soon on their starting quarterback, as the Steelers are coming off a tough loss and will likely be looking for revenge. Whoever starts under center will have their work cut out for them, but both Gilbert and Rush are up for the challenge.

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Andy dalton injury