Cowboys QB Cooper Rush prepares to start against Eagles | National sports

Cooper Rush prepares to start for the fifth straight week as the Dallas Cowboys monitor fellow quarterback Dak Prescott’s recovery from thumb surgery. Rush is 4-0 since entering the roster as a replacement for Prescott, whose initial medical prognosis called for a 4-6 week recovery window. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Prescott should be convincing in practice this week with his ability to “turn the ball around,” a reference to his ability to grab the ball and throw it on target with the speed needed. Prescott was unable to fully grab the ball last week, and head coach Mike McCarthy described his training activity on Wednesday – four days before the primetime game against host Eagles of Philadelphia – like a “light throw” to the side. “We’re preparing for Cooper to start against the Eagles,” McCarthy said Wednesday. Prescott said he felt “good” pitching for the first time. He also gained support from a wide receiver. “It was good to see him do that,” Michael Gallup said, according to The Dallas Morning News. “He’ll be back there soon.” Prescott told the Fort Worth-Star Telegram he was “looking forward” to returning. “But glad my guys are doing what they have to do,” he said on Wednesday. Prescott has been part of the “rehab group” in practice since the Sept. 12 operation, McCarthy said. His limited involvement this week would be a step forward, but the giant leap towards the Cowboys’ departure appears to be at least a week away. The Eagles (5-0) are the only undefeated team in the NFL, while Dallas relied heavily on strong defense to hold on to second place in the division at 4-1. The Cowboys’ strong passing rush leads the NFL in quarterback hits and Dallas has 20 sacks this season. –Field-Level Media