Dak Prescott Praises Trey Lance for Growth with Cowboys: 'He Works His Ass Off'

Dak Prescott had nothing but good things to say about one of his backups.

Prescott told reporters Wednesday that Trey Lance has become "so much better" since joining the Dallas Cowboys.

"I'm excited for where he is now. … He works his ass off. He's pushing me. I'm somebody that I don't like to let other people get more reps than me, and Trey is the person I need to watch, because he's trying to get up there on the rep count. That's a testament to him and how much he's putting into this. I've seen it. He's gotten better. He can play."

Prescott is only signed through the upcoming campaign but didn't seem too worried about the presence of Lance impacting any potential negotiations.

"As long he is getting better, I promise you I'm getting better," he said. "I encourage it. I hope he pushes me. I hope he makes people think. I know where I'll be and I know who I am. I'm confident in the person and player that I am. I hope he does. I hope he pushes me."

The San Francisco 49ers traded up to select Lance with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, but he never lived up to expectations.

Thanks to a combination of injuries and the performances of other quarterbacks around him, including Brock Purdy, Lance had just four total starts with San Francisco during his first two years.

The 49ers then traded him to the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 campaign, but he didn't appear in a single game as Prescott played all 17 and in the postseason.

If things go according to plan for Dallas, the same thing will happen in 2024 with Prescott remaining healthy.

But it can at least take solace knowing the starter believes in Lance's ability to carry the team if necessary.