The Dallas Cowboys have yet to set a timeline for Dak Prescott’s return following the hamstring injury he sustained against the Atlanta Falcons.

He’s likely to be placed on injured reserve, and head coach Mike McCarthy has confirmed that Cooper Rush will take over as QB1, with Trey Lance as the backup QB2.

This situation marks Lance’s closest approach to significant game action since joining the Cowboys through a trade with the San Francisco 49ers in late August 2023.

His only game experience this season was in the preseason.

“Last year would have been a different story,” the former third-overall pick said. “But after going through the offseason program and most of the season with these great coaches and teammates, I feel ready if my chance does come.”

It’s uncertain when or if Lance will see playing time, but he fully trusts Rush, who entered the fourth quarter against the Falcons and nearly led a comeback.

They fell short by six points, but Rush showed the same confidence that helped him achieve a 4-1 record in Prescott’s absence in 2022, when Prescott was sidelined by a calf injury.

“You saw it,” said Lance. “On Sunday, he made a lot of plays, and I think we missed some chances, but he came in and gave us every chance to win.”

Lance, 24, has been the Cowboys’ emergency quarterback the past two seasons, but he feels it’s helped his mental game.

He’s learned from Prescott, Rush, and McCarthy, adapting to the team’s scheme.

“Yeah, I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Lance said.

“After going through the offseason program, training camp, and gaining experience, being around these guys has helped me see the game in different ways.”

With a 3-5 record and a need to hold steady while Prescott recovers, it remains to be seen if Lance will get any snaps, but one thing is certain.