Is Dak Prescott playing week 18? Latest update on Cowboys QB

As the 2025 NFL regular season comes to an end, people are talking a lot about Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys before their Week 18 game. Dallas is now dealing with a finale dictated by pride, draft status, and player management, as their hopes of making the playoffs are already gone.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed this week that Prescott will start Sunday’s game. Speaking on local radio, Jones made it clear that Dallas has no plans to shut down its franchise quarterback entirely.“We’re going to start Dak,” Jones said, while stopping short of confirming how long the veteran will remain on the field.That uncertainty has fueled speculation that Prescott could be pulled early, depending on game flow and risk management. With Dallas eliminated from postseason contention, protecting key starters has become a legitimate consideration.Prescott, however, has been consistent in expressing his desire to play and finish the season strong. The quarterback has emphasized pride and competitiveness as his driving factors, even in a year that has not met expectations. Finishing with a winning record matters to Prescott, who believes his presence gives the Cowboys their best chance to close the year on a positive note. From his perspective, Week 18 is less about draft math and more about setting a standard inside the locker room.That point of view shows how Prescott leads: he always puts accountability and consistency first, no matter what.The Week 18 result still matters, even though the Cowboys are no longer in the running for the playoffs. Dallas is now in the middle of the 2026 NFL Draft order, and a win or defeat might bump them up or down a little bit.More importantly, the game carries implications for the opposing New York Giants, who are tryinh for the No. 1 overall pick. A full game from Prescott would significantly increase the Giants’ chances of losing, while an early exit could swing momentum the other way.That dynamic adds another layer to Dallas’ decision-making process.All signs point to Prescott taking the first snap and possibly several series before the Cowboys reassess. Dallas has avoided committing publicly to a snap count, leaving flexibility based on health, scoreline, and overall feel.For Prescott, Week 18 represents one final opportunity to reinforce his leadership and close a frustrating season with resolve. Also Read: Raiders face major disadvantage heading into Week 18 showdown vs. Chiefs