The Dallas Cowboys, already reeling from their recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons, faced another setback as news broke about quarterback Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury. Prescott’s ailment, which he sustained in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-21 loss, was initially downplayed. However, the diagnosis has revealed a more severe reality, casting doubt over Prescott’s availability for the next several games. The injury came during a physical run play, with Prescott explaining, “I felt something when I was getting up… but didn’t think it was much.” Now, it appears much more than a minor strain, and the Cowboys are left grappling with the consequences.
Prescott’s injury is a partial avulsion of the hamstring tendon-a condition in which the tendon partially detaches from the bone. Medical experts caution that this type of injury often requires a lengthy recovery, with timelines extending beyond four weeks. For the Cowboys, this prognosis means adjusting to a potential month-long absence for their star quarterback, whose leadership on and off the field has been pivotal this season.
Dak Prescott shows total frustration on the sideline and admits that the Dallas Cowboys are playing awful
In an interview with 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the severity of the injury, noting that Prescott may be placed on the injured reserve (IR) list. “It’s likely we’ll IR [Prescott] and see how his rehab goes,” Jones remarked, adding that they are awaiting further medical opinions to confirm the best path forward for Prescott’s recovery. The IR designation would sideline Prescott for at least four weeks, adding pressure to an already strained Cowboys lineup.
Prescott’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time for Dallas, who sit precariously in the standings with a crucial divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looming. In Prescott’s absence, Cooper Rush will step in as the starting quarterback. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that the team’s confidence remains intact, despite the shift in leadership. “This is about the quarterback room. We’ll rally around [Rush] and make sure he’s prepared,”McCarthy told reporters, underscoring the team’s commitment to adapting under pressure.
Next man up: Cowboys pin hopes on Cooper Rush in Dak’s absence
Cooper Rush has seen action before, yet his starting role in a high-stakes game brings a new level of scrutiny. The backup quarterback will need to step up quickly, with the Cowboys counting on him to hold the line until Prescott’s return. As McCarthy noted, the team’s focus will shift to equipping Rush with the support he needs, but the absence of Prescott’s experience will be hard to ignore.
Prescott’s injury casts a shadow over a season that held high expectations for Dallas. The quarterback had just signed a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract extension, solidifying his place as the franchise’s cornerstone. His on-field contributions-1,978 passing yards and 11 touchdowns so far-reflect his value to the team, and his absence is sure to test the depth and resilience of the Cowboys’ roster.
The injury also raises questions about the Cowboys’ postseason aspirations. In the NFC East, every game counts, and with Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys may face an uphill battle to maintain their position. With the Eagles matchup only days away, Dallas will be forced to rely on a next-man-up mentality, hoping Rush can rise to the occasion.
As Dallas navigates this unexpected turn, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation for Prescott and adaptation for the team. While the Cowboys wait on additional medical opinions, one thing is certain: the road ahead just got a lot tougher without their star quarterback leading the way.