Dak Prescott is set to play Christmas Day for the Cowboys, despite mounting injury risks and debates about strategic tanking.
The back-and-forth over whether the Dallas Cowboys should "Organically Tank," as our own Mike Fisher has coined the term, or play the starters in meaningless games continues.
After the Los Angeles Chargers' loss, in which the Cowboys' defense gave up 34 points, and the offense managed 17 before a second-half shutout, there are now two games left.
If there ever was a time to "sit" starters and avoid any potential injury that could hinder the 2026 season, it's now.
We have heard Dak Prescott state he wants to keep playing. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear he wants to win.
But that was before Sunday's loss. What about now?
Will Dak suit up on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders?
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says that Dak will "absolutely" play.
“Our goal is to win the football game," Jones said. "Our goal is to finish strong.”
So that settles it.
No matter how you feel about it, the 6-8-1 Cowboys have had the same message on this topic for the past two weeks.
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No one inside The Star is interested in "Organic Tanking," ... they all want to win - even if it is at the expense of a better draft hand.
However, we have seen how easily things can go wrong in the NFL. Just look at the Kansas City Chiefs. They lost QBs Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew for the season in back-to-back weeks.
And speaking of injuries ...
Washington (4-11) is running shy of QBs, with Marcus Mariota and Jayden Daniels both banged up. ... while the Cowboys are dealing with, among other things, DeMarvion Overshown's concussion (he's likely out) and neck issues for standouts Quinnen Williams and Javonte Williams (both are planning on playing on Christmas in D.C.)
Anyway, while it is noble that Dallas wants to do its best to win every game, surely it knows the dangers that come with it.
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Establishing the right culture is one thing, but putting your players at unnecessary risk is another entirely.
But it appears that with just two games left in the 2025 season, Schottenheimer and the Cowboys are willing to roll the dice.