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Stephen A. rolling with the Cowboys ... by default (1:46)

Stephen A. Smith thinks that the Giants or Cowboys are the bigger threat to the Eagles in the division. 1:45

4:52 PM ET

Jerry Jones is the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

He wants Rush to play so well that there would be controversy as to whether or not he would be the starter once he is healthy enough to play.

Yes, I would. It's absolutely true. It means we would have won. Rush, if he comes in and plays as well as Prescott did, would that be a good thing? Did you play that well over the next two games? I would go to New York to get that.

Jones' thoughts of 2016 came to mind. He was a fourth-round pick that year, filling in for an injured Tony Romo. After losing the season opener, the Cowboys went on to win 11 in a row and never lost their starting quarterback. Rush might be able to do that.

Jones did not know that. When he stepped in and had the chance to do that, I didn't think he could do it. He did it, though.

Rush will make his second start of the season on Monday against the Giants. The Cowboys won both of Rush's starts on last-minute drives, including a 50 yard field goal against Cincinnati last week.

The thought process of Jones is flawed. Jones believes there is a chance that the Cowboys will have their quarterback back in time for their game against the Washington Commanders in October.

Jones said that they would like to have the quarterback here next week. It's the thing. Do you? We want Rush to lead the team to victory and another win. The only way to look at it is that way. It was a game by game situation when Tony was playing. We looked back after two months. It was almost like a series of plays. I don't think it's possible for Rush to come in here and play at a level to win games like he did when he was in charge of the Cowboys. I do, yes. I do, yes. I believe that is possible.

The stitches are still on his thumb. During the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media, he worked on his conditioning and rehabilitation.

The club was told by the surgeon that it could be a four-week absence, if not sooner, after the loss to the Buccaneers.

Jones said that it wouldn't be because people are worried about being hurt again. It is because of his grip and strength that we are worried. Is it possible for him to play within four weeks and sleep at night without getting hurt?

There's a chance that Rush is more than a temporary worker. When asked if Rush's tape needed to be studied, Ezekiel smiled.

It's all about getting clicks, getting views, and you're going to get the most attention, because people on TV are going to say the most outrageous stuff. Their job is to do that. They don't know if they really believe it.

When Jones says he hopes to have a "dilemma," what does that mean?

"He wants y'all to lick and listen to him as well," he said. Man, it's all marketing. Marketing is all it is.