The hamstring damage which left Dak Prescott sidelined for the top of the Cowboys’ Week 9 contest will result in missed time. It stays to be seen if season-ending surgery will be required, however the quarterback’s choice could be to keep away from it.
“He doesn’t want surgery,” owner Jerry Jones said of Prescott during a Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic). “He desires to be on the sphere and go for it. We’ll simply see the way it goes right here.”
However, David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reports the Cowboys plan to maneuver Prescott to injured reserve Friday or Saturday. That transfer will guarantee a minimum of a four-game absence and go away the staff shorthanded on offense whereas making an attempt to return to playoff competition. Sitting at 3-5 on the yr, Dallas’ postseason prospects have been already in query, however shutting Prescott down for a notable stretch would damage them much more.
Updates from earlier within the week pointed to an IR transfer, so it might come as no shock if Dallas finally takes that route. Supplied the staff does so, Cooper Rush might be in place to deal with QB1 duties with Trey Lance being elevated to the standing of backup. The latter is not under consideration to function the Cowboys’ starter at this level, one thing which is signficant since each signal-callers are pending free brokers. Rush has made six begins and 30 appearances in his profession, all with the Cowboys.
The 30-year-old’s most up-to-date run atop the depth chart got here in 2022, when he logged 5 begins instead of an injured Prescott. Rush went 4-1 in these contests, though he managed solely 116.8 passing yards per sport throughout that span whereas throwing 5 touchdowns and three interceptions. Improved effectivity by means of the air might be crucial over the approaching weeks for Rush and the offense given Dallas’ lack of success on the bottom this season.
Contemplating Prescott’s $60M-per-year extension signed this offseason, a cautious method on the staff’s half could be smart. That’s very true given Dallas’ file and steep path to the playoffs as issues stand. As Jones famous, nevertheless, extra time will possible must elapse earlier than a remaining choice is made with respect to surgical procedure. As Rush prepares to take over for the foreseeable future, Prescott’s well being standing stays unsure.