Could Cowboys Have 'Secret' Dak Prescott Plan For Final Game at Giants?

When the Dallas Cowboys were officially knocked out of playoff contention before the Week 15 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, that was to us a signal to put all starters in bubble wrap for the year.

But the Cowboys officially disagreed then - and now.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has since played his entire first-string group in each of the last handful of games, including Week 17 in the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders.

But now, as Sunday's regular-season finale against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium (and that questionable turf) comes into view, surely Schottenheimer won't risk his franchise quarterback, right?

"Yeah, plan on finishing strong and having Dak play and again get a chance to go 5-1 hopefully in the division, finish 8-8-1," Schottenheimer said. "That's the plan as we're looking at now."

So, there we have it. Dak is playing on Sunday (cue a nervous gulp as we remember him sustaining six sacks against the Commanders.)

Now, certain sections of Cowboys Nation hope this is just a smokescreen, and that Prescott doesn't even see the field in Week 18.

But everything we have seen and heard from Schottenheimer over the past few weeks points to Dak playing a full game.

So, does that mean no Joe Milton at all?

“We'll look at that,” Schottenheimer added. “We'll see how the week goes, but right now the plan is to play Dak.”

Aha. Maybe the door is ajar here. Maybe the Cowboys are open to a bit of flexibility when it comes to the Dak Plan.

Cowboys insider Mike Fisher wonders if a "secret'' is being kept.

"I wonder if Schotty wants to send his 'Winning is Everything' message to his team and to the world, while also wanting Dak - who has battled injuries - to be able to say he was healthy and started all 17 games,'' Fish says. "So, start Dak. Let him play a quarter.

"He gets the 17-game thing on his resume. Maybe he even does enough to lead Dallas to a win. And then let Milton see the field from there.''

To be clear, Fish isn't saying that is the plan.

He's saying it should be.

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Schottenheimer's blind desire to win is admirable, but there is a heavy price that might be paid to put your starters in a meaningless Week 18 game.

Now, we don't know how much Dak will be playing, and in truth, one snap is too many for most.

But all signs point to a normal week (for now).

So, cross your fingers, toes, do anything you can, because on Sunday, Schottenheimer is risking a whole lot in the name of "culture.'' ... while Cowboys Nation hopes there is indeed some flexibility in his "Dak Plan.''