Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is managing a partial avulsion injury to his right hamstring, meaning part of the tendon has pulled away from the bone. The injury, confirmed by an MRI, has left his status uncertain, but he hasn’t yet been placed on injured reserve (IR). Should he go on IR, Prescott would miss a minimum of four games, returning at the earliest on December 9 for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, insiders suggest he may need more than four weeks to heal completely, indicating a potential lengthier recovery period. NFL Network initially reported the details of Prescott’s injury.
Prescott sustained the injury during the third quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. After a five-yard scramble, he showed signs of discomfort, visibly grimacing as he threw a shaky ten-yard pass. He later explained he first felt something strange when standing up after the run but did not think it was serious at the time. The quarterback likened the sensation to typical fatigue or minor game pain, which usually subsides. However, the MRI results on Monday revealed the injury’s more serious nature, meaning he will likely be out for several weeks.
The Cowboys’ record underscores Prescott’s value to the team. Since his 2016 debut, Dallas has won 76 games and lost 46 with him as the starting quarterback, while without him, the team is 9-8. Additionally, the Cowboys’ scoring and yardage statistics drop noticeably when Prescott is off the field, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s offensive productivity. His absence is a notable setback for a team that depends heavily on his leadership and playmaking abilities.
In Prescott’s place, the Cowboys will start backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who has proven to be a steady alternative. Rush holds a 5-1 record when filling in for Prescott, including an impressive 4-1 run last year after Prescott’s thumb injury. Across his 30 career appearances, Rush has recorded nine touchdown passes, six interceptions, and over 1,700 passing yards. The Cowboys will also rely on Trey Lance as Rush’s backup, ensuring additional support at the quarterback position if needed.
Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in Rush’s capacity to guide the team during Prescott’s absence. McCarthy commended Rush’s steady temperament and strategic mindset, key qualities that enable him to fit seamlessly into the team’s offensive plans. McCarthy noted that Rush’s intelligence and calm demeanor allow the Cowboys to avoid drastic changes to their offensive strategy. This consistency will be crucial as the team navigates Prescott’s uncertain recovery timeline.
