Dak Prescott draws line on week 18 decision as Cowboys limp toward offseason

As the Dallas Cowboys stumble toward the end of a disappointing 2025 season, one thing is no longer up for debate - Dak Prescott intends to play in Week 18.

Following Dallas’ 30-23 Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders, Prescott made his stance clear amid growing speculation that the Cowboys could rest starters in a season finale with no playoff implications. For the veteran quarterback, sitting out is not an option.

“I want to play,” Prescott said when asked about the possibility of being held out. “I love this game. If I get the opportunity, I’m going to prepare the same way and give it my best.”

Why week 18 still matters for Dak Prescott

The Cowboys enter Week 18 with a 7-8-1 record, officially eliminated from postseason contention. Expectations were far higher at the start of the year, but inconsistency on both sides of the ball - combined with injuries and defensive lapses, derailed Dallas’ playoff push.

Despite the bigger picture, Prescott views the regular-season finale as more than a formality. Finishing strong, especially in a divisional matchup, still carries meaning for a locker room searching for momentum heading into the offseason.



“There’s pride in that,” Prescott added. “I want to win. I want to be out there with my guys.”

The Christmas Day victory came at a physical cost. Prescott was sacked six times by Washington and absorbed repeated hits behind an offensive line that struggled in the second half. Even so, he finished with 307 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, a performance that reinforced his value to the offense.



Teammates were quick to rally around their quarterback, praising his toughness and leadership. Running back Javonte Williams publicly called out protection issues while commending Prescott for playing through the punishment.

A decision that remains fluid behind the scenes

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has so far echoed Prescott’s mindset, indicating that the plan remains to start the franchise quarterback in the finale. Still, with the offseason looming, the Cowboys must weigh long-term health against short-term morale.



A late injury would be catastrophic for a team already facing hard questions about roster construction, coaching continuity, and overall direction.

Dallas will close its season on the road against the New York Giants, offering Prescott a final chance to set a tone before months of uncertainty. Whether the Cowboys finish strong won’t change their playoff fate, but it could influence how the offseason conversation begins.

For Prescott, the message is simple: seasons don’t end quietly, even when the playoffs are out of reach. As the Cowboys limp toward January, their quarterback has drawn his line, and he intends to cross it on the field.

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