Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is preparing to play in his team’s final game of the 2025 season on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the New York Giants even though Dallas has been eliminated from playoff contention.

“I’ll have some fight back,” Prescott said after leading the Cowboys to a 30-23 road win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. “It depends on how it comes, what’s the purpose, what’s the reason. Obviously, I understand being approached about it, but the conversations we’ve already had about it are for me to play.”

Prescott completed 19-of-37 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns while adding 24 rushing yards. He withstood a ton of pressure, which included six sacks and 11 hurries.

Dallas may not be going to the playoffs, but the Cowboys will hit the .500 mark at 8-8-1 with a victory. That means something to Prescott.

“Lot of pride, and I think that’s another reason I want to play,” Prescott said. “In a season [of] me being healthy, I’ve never had, in all of my life, career, a season under .500. So, that tie is going to come into play really well. So, it’s a huge difference. It’s one of those things that, I mean, yeah, it’s just pride. It’s pride, honestly.”

From one perspective, it would make sense if Prescott and the Cowboys decided against him playing. He suffered season-ending injuries in 2020 and 2024, and it’s fair to wonder whether it’s worth risking a potentially serious ailment when Dallas doesn’t have a playoff chance.

On the flip side, Prescott clearly loves the game and wants to help his team win, even if the playoffs aren’t on the horizon. There’s also something to be said about finishing the season strong and on a high note with an eye toward next year. Giving up on the year, in essence, could be a tough look. As former NFL head coach Herm Edwards once said (albeit in a different context for his 2002 New York Jets), “you play to win the game.”

“I love this game,” Prescott said. “I love any opportunity that I get to play it. So, with that being said, yeah, if I get to go out there, I’m going to give my best. I’m going to prepare the same way. I’m going to be the same player.

“I understand the reasons why maybe not [to play], and if I’m approached with that, I’ll handle it then.”

There’s also another reason to play. Prescott currently has 4,482 passing yards, which leads the NFL (albeit with a game in hand over just about everyone). Los Angeles Rams signal-caller Matt Stafford is second right now with 4,179 yards. No Cowboy QB has ever led the league in that mark.

For now, it seems as though Prescott will be out there on Jan. 4 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he’ll face a New York Giants team currently sitting at 2-13.