The Dallas Cowboys’ Week 12 victory galvanized a previously apathetic fan base. While the playoffs are still a long way off, things could get interesting if Dallas improves to 5-7 with a win on Thanksgiving over the woeful New York Giants.

While Dallas’ defense may have turned things around, Cooper Rush’s performance last Sunday may be the main reason fans have started to buy back in. Many were desperate to see Trey Lance, but it’s now clear that Rush gives the Cowboys the best chance to win.

That’s why it’s so important that Rush starts on Thanksgiving, but his status appeared bleak after he appeared on the injury report with a knee injury. It’s unclear when Rush suffered the injury, but he’s taken a ton of hits in his three starts since Dak Prescott’s injury.

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Rush was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday. That was just cause for concern, but the 31-year-old left no doubt about his status on Wednesday when he met with NFL Network insider Jane Slater.

This is a big sigh of relief for the Cowboys.

Rush’s limited participation in training probably had more to do with rest and management than anything else. Here, too, he has suffered some serious setbacks since taking office for Prescott. It’s huge that Rush is only dealing with pain and not a sprain or any cartilage injury.

Sunday’s win over the Commanders closely resembled the formula when the Rush finished 4-1 in five starts during the 2022 season. The defense played great for three quarters, the rushing attack kept Washington honest and the Rush took advantage of what the defense gave him.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Rush’s performance is that he tried to force the ball downfield. In Week 12, he averaged 7.7 yards per attempt, compared to 4.6 against Atlanta, 2.0 against the Eagles and 6.4 against Houston.

Some throws were difficult and were almost blocked, but most of the good things happened when he threw beyond the sticks. He connected with Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard completion, drawing Washington to a few pass interference penalties.

Just as importantly, Rush got CeeDee Lamb involved. That’s also a testament to Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer, but Lamb caught 10 of 12 targets for 67 yards. At All-Pro, you’d like to see more than an average target depth of 3.8, but 12 targets is a perfect middle ground.

With Rush ready to go, Lamb should throw a Thanksgiving feast worthy of a superstar.

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