The Dallas Cowboys are set to continue their Thanksgiving Day tradition, facing the New York Giants in the late afternoon slot. However, a season riddled with injuries and inconsistent play has some fans questioning whether Dallas should still hold this holiday spotlight. Currently sitting at 3-5, the Cowboys have faced a challenging season, plagued by 14 injuries and nine trips to injured reserve, including significant losses like No. 2 receiver Brandin Cooks, pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, and most recently, quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott, who suffered a hamstring injury against Atlanta, may end up on injured reserve, which would have backup Cooper Rush likely at the helm on Thanksgiving.
The Giants, also struggling with a 2-7 record, haven’t seen much better results this season. However, it must be noted that despite their current standings, games between the Cowboys and Giants have generally been competitive, aside from two blowouts last season. The Cowboys hold a lead in the overall series at 76-47-2, often besting the Giants in close matchups. Yet, the looming prospect of a “battle of the backups”-with Rush or possibly Trey Lance facing off against Giants’ backup Drew Lock if Daniel Jones continues to struggle-has left some fans hoping for a change in the Thanksgiving lineup.
Fan frustration with the holiday game has been evident on social media. “Oh god I just realized the Daniel Jones Giants will be facing off against the Cooper Rush Cowboys on Thanksgiving. God have mercy on my soul,” shared one fan. “There is nothing worse for a #Cowboys fan than to have the Thanksgiving game not matter. You always wanted them to be in the hunt for that game to give themselves a chance.” Another echoed the sentiment.
Related: Lance Reacts To Rush Decision, Speaks Out On Cowboys Opportunity Despite the calls for a shake-up, the NFL is unlikely to alter the Thanksgiving schedule. But yes, as the Cowboys contend with a depleted roster and approach Thanksgiving with uncertain quarterback options, fans’ expectations for the once highly-anticipated game have certainly shifted. “@NFL…please flex the Thanksgiving game. That Cowboys-Giants game is gonna be absolute trash. ‘Tradition’ can be changed. The Cowboys don’t need to be on Thanksgiving this season,” tweeted another frustrated fan. Even with mixed fan sentiment, the Cowboys-Giants matchup remains a staple on the holiday calendar, with Dallas hoping to overcome adversity and bring excitement back to Thanksgiving in what’s become an iconic NFL tradition.
