Baltimore visits Dallas for a high-stakes preseason showdown that doubles as a homecoming for Cooper Rush, the Dallas veteran who carved out a path to a two-year Ravens deal after 2024. Rush is embracing Baltimore’s system and increased on-field responsibilities, while Dallas’ evolving QB room watches from the sideline. The game also serves as a backdrop for Brian Schottenheimer’s rise to Cowboys head coach, the contrasting styles of Rush and Lamar Jackson, and a season-ending mystery involving a contract incentive near-miss last year.

That incentive miss—Rush was within 68 snaps of a $500K bonus before Trey Lance started the finale—adds a subtle but telling wrinkle to the roster psychology. The Cowboys’ preseason slate, including a prior opener versus Indianapolis, frames the path for depth-chart decisions, while Rush’s comfort level on the turf of Jerry World suggests the Ravens are counting on timely reps to sharpen their QB room before Week 1. The narrative blends coaching moves, quarterback identity, and fantasy implications as these two AFC/NFC teams square off.