DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - With Andy Dalton on the reserve/COVID list, Cooper Rush or Garrett Gilbert will be under center this Sunday when the Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Wednesday.
McCarthy said that he informed rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci that he was not under consideration to get the nod after he struggled in his first career start in Philadelphia last Sunday night.
Both Rush and Gilbert will share the snaps in practice this week to determine who will start.
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“The decision was made to go with the two experienced quarterbacks," McCarthy said Wednesday. "I just felt with the opponent that we’re playing, we need some more experience at the position."
As for when he'll know who will start Sunday, McCarthy said "it would be nice to come to a decision by Saturday's practice."
The 26-year-old Rush has completed just a single NFL pass since arriving as an undrafted rookie in 2017, but the Central Michigan alum is familiar with the Cowboys’ offense, having been with the organization most of the past four years (he spent a month on the Giants’ P squad earlier this season).
Gilbert, 29, has bounced around several organizations since the Rams selected him the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft. In addition to the Rams and Browns, Gilbert has been a member of the Patriots, Lions, Raiders and Panthers.
The Lake Travis native has appeared in six career games, completing two passes for 40 yards.
McCarthy added that Dalton is "doing fine," and he believes they'll see him back in the building next week.
Dalton will likely get the starting job back when the Cowboys return from their bye week in Week 11 vs Minnesota.