Cowboys make bold Dak Prescott decision trailing Giants at halftime

In this story:
The Dallas Cowboys finish off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign on Sunday afternoon, missing the NFL playoffs for the second straight season.
Entering the game, there were questions about whether star quarterback Dak Prescott would suit up for the game with no postseason hopes on the line, and the team rolled him out as the starter.
However, despite trailing the division rival New York Giants at halftime, the team made a switch.
MORE: NFL insider expects Cowboys to move on from defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus
Leaving the locker room for the third quarter, the Cowboys rolled out backup quarterback Joe Milton to lead the offense for the final two quarters of the season.

Prescott finishes the season with 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Prescott entered the season finale leading the league in passing yards, and finishes his season with just a 104-yard cushion over Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford.
No Dallas Cowboys quarterback has ever finished a season as the NFL passing yards leader.
MORE: Jerry Jones gets honest on Matt Eberflus, Cowboys defense's future
Stafford and the Rams will finish the regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams have said they plan to play starters, so we'll have to see how long he plays and whether he can finish the year by edging out Prescott for the individual honor.
Kickoff between the Rams and Cardinals is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
Cowboys officially rule out 5 players for Week 18, including breakout star
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants, Week 18 betting odds & preview
Cowboys-Giants announcer pairing & assignment for Week 18 has Dallas legend on call
Cowboys add pass-rush specialist, cover corner in 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Did Javonte Williams already play his last game with Cowboys?
Meet Brenley Herrera: Viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader 2025 rookie
