FRISCO, Texas 鈥 Trey Lance doesn't know just yet whether he'll be the Cowboys starting quarterback on Sunday in the season finale against the Washington Commanders, but he's confident that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
"Yea, absolutely, no doubt." Lance said.
Why does he believe that?
"I think if you don't think that about yourself, then you've got no chance. And I truly believe that in my heart," Lance said. "I feel like it's just where you drive your confidence from, what you have your faith in, and I feel like I've worked to this point to get to this point and I'm not going to stop until that opportunity comes and I'm able to make the most of it."
Lance, who was traded for a fourth-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, has yet to start a game for the Cowboys and instead has watched Cooper Rush start the last eight games in place of Dak Prescott.
That doesn't mean that Lance isn't ready if his name is called upon though.
"I'll be ready if I get an opportunity," Lance said. "Just going to continue the week normal, same as I have been, excited to end this one the right way."
A majority of Lance's work this season has come as Dallas' scout team quarterback, allowing Lance more time to continue and develop. Even with a chance to be bumped up to the starting role on Sunday, he's comfortable in the weekly routine that's gotten him this far.
"Same exact process, I've got a real good process going through these last few years," Lance said. "I've spent plenty of time as a backup my first four years, so I feel like I've learned how to prepare the right way."
Sure, it's frustrating to not be on the field and playing every week. But Lance understands what his role is in Dallas and is working diligently to make sure that his preparation during the week translates to the development of his game.
In that case, he'll be able to do whatever is asked of him when needed.
"I want to play every week, but that's the reality of this business, reality of playing quarterback in this league," Lance said. "It's tough, only one guy gets to play. You've got to be realistic with yourself and find ways to continue to get better."
With the offseason looming, Lance along with Cooper Rush is a free agent, but he isn't thinking about that right now and is instead focused on Sunday. Regardless of what happens from here on out, Lance feels he's grown during his time in Dallas.
"I feel like I've improved a ton over my last few years here, it's been a ton of fun, I've had a ton of fun getting to know these guys and see what happens after this."
