All of the Dallas quarterback headlines this season have involved Dak Prescott and Tony Romo, not third-string backup Mark Sanchez. We speculated previously about the possibility of the team holding Romo out in Week 17 in favor of protecting his trade value. It looks like that’s the case.
#Cowboys planning on giving veteran QB Mark Sanchez majority of snaps at position Sunday at #Eagles, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) December 29, 2016
Not only would this protect Romo’s trade value, but keeping him healthy for the possibility of spot duty in the playoffs would be smart. Injuries can hit in the playoffs, and many teams are left in no man’s land if they don’t have a capable backup ready to go.
This game will also have a second string offensive line in for the game, which may be troubling for Sanchez. These random, late-season appearances can be meaningful for players who don’t get much time on the field. Matt Flynn made an awful lot of money from one incredible game. Maybe Sanchez can do the same.
As the playoffs near, the debate will rage on whether or not it is smart to sit your starters. The risk makes for an interesting conversation point, of course. But to be honest, if it means one game a year where backups run around like crazy, then we should all be for it.
