The Dallas Cowboys don’t have to wonder if Andy Dalton will be able to return this week from his concussion. They now know he will be out for Week 9 after having to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which means someone else will be starting quarterback on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Any traceable potential exposure to COVID-19 can land a player on this list, so it does not mean that Dalton himself tested positive for the virus. However, it definitely knocks him out of Sunday’s game. The Cowboys have their bye during Week 10, so Andy could be back for the Week 11 game in Minnesota.

The Dallas Cowboys will be without quarterback Andy Dalton for a second straight game but not because of the concussion he sustained two weeks ago. Dalton will be placed on the reserve/COVID 19 list on Tuesday, which will knock him out of Sunday’s game… https://t.co/126lxlBS2k

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 3, 2020

The #Cowboys are placing QB Andy Dalton on the COVID-19 list, as @toddarcher said. So another start for Ben DiNucci.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2020

Ben DiNucci started in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles and is probably going to keep that job for the Steelers game. However, Dallas has recently brought back Cooper Rush and also added Garrett Gilbert to the QB depth chart.

Even if DiNucci starts against Pittsburgh, we could see a change to one of these other options if the rookie struggles as he did last week.

The Cowboys’ best chance to win is still with Andy Dalton, who could hopefully execute better with Zack Martin back in the lineup and more time working with the first team in practice. However, we will now have to wait a few weeks to see the Red Rifle back in action.