Jerry Rice: Dallas Cowboys are 'fake pretenders'

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice said he thinks the Dallas Cowboys are "fake pretenders" in the NFL playoff hunt. The Hall of Famer made the

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice said he thinks the Dallas Cowboys are "fake pretenders" in the NFL playoff hunt. 

The Hall of Famer made the comments during an exclusive interview with Pro Football Now. Rice also said he doesn't think 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh will return next season.

"I feel like the Cowboys are fake pretenders," Rice said. "They show a potential at times, but then they show that, hey, look, you know, we’re not really that team. I think with Philadelphia...they’re the front runners right now. Then, you’ve got the Dallas Cowboys, I’m a little hesitant when it comes to them."  ​

Rice's 49ers faced Dallas in three consecutive NFC Championship Games from 1993 to 1995. 

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Rice also disagreed with the Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones' decision to urge Romo to return to the field during the team's Week 8 game against the Washington Redskins after the quarterback left in the third quarter with a back injury. Rice called for Romo to not play Sunday against Jacksonville. 

"I questioned when he came back after he was hurt. I noticed Jerry Jones went down to the sidelines, he looked at Jason Garrett and he said, 'He’s ready. Put him back in.' And I don’t think he should’ve been back in that ball game," Rice said.

To see Rice's full interview, tune in Wednesday to Pro Football Now at 4 p.m. EST on SI.com. 

- Will Green