Even with the postseason picture potentially out of reach, Dak Prescott still has something meaningful on the line this Sunday - a chance to carve his name a little deeper into Cowboys history.
Prescott enters the weekend sitting at 3,931 passing yards on the season. That puts him just 69 yards shy of hitting the 4,000-yard mark - a milestone that would tie him with Tony Romo for the most 4,000-yard seasons in franchise history.
Romo has four. Prescott, currently at three, is right on his heels.
Now, whether or not the Cowboys are still in the playoff hunt by kickoff depends on what happens with the Eagles on Saturday. If Philadelphia pulls off a win, Dallas will be officially eliminated.
But even if that’s the case, the Cowboys have made it clear: Prescott is still playing. The team isn’t planning to shut him down early - at least not this week.
That means fans can expect to see Prescott on the field with his full complement of offensive weapons, assuming everyone’s healthy. It’s a sign that, despite the playoff odds, there’s still pride - and a little history - on the line.
Of course, the opponent complicates things. The Cowboys are facing a Chargers squad that’s still fighting for its postseason life.
That alone gives Los Angeles the motivational edge on paper. But don’t count out a Dallas team that still has something to prove, even if the stakes have shifted.
This is one of those games where the challenge is as much mental as it is physical. With no playoff berth to chase, the Cowboys will need to dig deep for motivation.
But helping Prescott reach that 4,000-yard benchmark? That’s a tangible goal - and one well within reach.
Given how close he is, it wouldn’t take much for Prescott to get there. One solid drive could do it. And while the record may not change the team’s trajectory this season, it’s another reminder of the consistency and production Prescott has brought to the position - year in, year out.
So while the standings may not be in Dallas’ favor, there’s still something worth watching. Prescott’s pursuit of Romo’s mark is a testament to the kind of career he’s building - and a reason to keep tuning in, even if the playoff lights are dimming.