Jerry Jones: SNF start more than DiNucci could handle

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't think quarterback Ben DiNucci's first career NFL start came under the right circumstances against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.

"I think that it was a lot for him," Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, according to ESPN's Ed Werder. "I think we certainly, as a team, paid the price to have him come in and under those circumstances. And that's almost trite. It was frankly more than he could handle."

DiNucci completed 21 of 40 pass attempts for 180 yards during the 23-9 loss to the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. He also suffered two fumbles in the game.

The seventh-round rookie out of James Madison took over the Cowboys' starting role after Andy Dalton - who's replacing starter Dak Prescott - suffered a concussion the prior game.

The 2-6 Cowboys are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. Prescott's offensive production compensated for Dallas' defensive struggles, but the team's issues have been exposed since he was sidelined. The Cowboys are 0-3 without Prescott and failed to score more than 10 points in each game.

Dallas has yet to announce the starting signal-caller for its Week 9 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Dalton was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list Tuesday.

The Cowboys' depth chart at quarterback also features veteran Garrett Gilbert - their backup signal-caller against the Eagles - and Cooper Rush, who was recently signed to the team's practice squad.