Technically, the Dallas Cowboys have nothing to play for in Week 18 against the New York Giants, except for pride, and that’s exactly why quarterback Dak Prescott wants to play in the game.
"Lot of pride and I think that's another reason I want to play," Prescott said, via ESPN. "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."
Some would argue that a player of Prescott’s magnitude shouldn’t play in an ultimately meaningless game at the end of the season in order to avoid potential injury. However, Prescott doesn’t see it that way. He sees it as an opportunity to play the game he loves for one final time this season.
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"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."
Prescott is aware that he might get some push back from the organization regarding his desire to play in the final game, but he seems optimistic about his chances.
"I'll have some fight back," Prescott said. "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."
Ultimately, the decision to play, or not, might be out of Prescott’s hands. At the end of the day, Prescott is an investment, and the Cowboys’ brass might want to protect that investment, which could mean avoiding needlessly exposing him to injury risk.
We'll find out soon enough what the Cowboys plan to do. Obviously we know where Prescott stands on the matter.