Garrett Gilbert will start at quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys when they host the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
Dallas coach Mike McCarthy has not named a starter, but Gilbert took the majority of the first-team snaps in practice this week over Cooper Rush. NFL Network reported the Steelers are preparing for Gilbert to start.
The Cowboys could be without running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury. Multiple reports said the two-time NFL rushing king will be a game-time decision. Elliott has rushed for 521 yards and five touchdowns and has 34 catches for 220 yards and one score in eight games.
Gilbert was active as the No. 2 quarterback against the Eagles. Rush has been in the system longer and specifically worked with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as Prescott’s backup from 2017-19.
Gilbert, 29, has attempted only six passes since being drafted by the then-St. Louis Rams in the sixth round in 2014. He was signed by the Cowboys off the Cleveland Browns practice squad on Oct. 12.
Rush, 26, attempted three passes for the Cowboys in 2017.
“(Gilbert’s) played a lot of quarterback,” McCarthy told reporters Friday. “This guy grew up as a quarterback. His father (Gale) was a quarterback. I mean, he knows how to play the position. There’s no lack for confidence or know-how.”
When the Cowboys (2-6) host the Steelers (7-0) on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, either Gilbert or Rush will become the team’s fourth starting quarterback in the past five weeks.
Dak Prescott sustained a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5. Andy Dalton suffered a concussion in Week 7 and tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Rookie Ben DiNucci started Sunday night’s 23-9 loss in Philadelphia and struggled, completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards with four sacks and two lost fumbles.