The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve following a hamstring injury sustained in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Prescott’s placement on injured reserve would mean he will miss at least the next four games, with the earliest possible return being Week 14 in a Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jones expressed uncertainty about Prescott’s exact timeline, stating that the team will monitor his recovery and make decisions as his rehab progresses.
Since Prescott joined the Cowboys in 2016, he has been a critical factor in the team’s success, leading them to a record significantly better than with any other quarterback in recent years. With Prescott as the starter, the Cowboys are 76-46, scoring an average of 26.7 points per game, while with other quarterbacks, their record falls to 9-8, with an average of 21.1 points per game. Prescott’s absence tends to lower the Cowboys’ offensive production, evident in passing yards and third-down conversion rates, all key metrics where the team underperforms without him.
In the meantime, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Prescott will not be playing in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Prescott’s injury is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks. With Prescott out, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will step in as the starter, while Trey Lance will serve as the backup. Rush has previously proven himself capable, having stepped in successfully during the 2022 season when Prescott missed games due to a thumb injury.
Cooper Rush’s past performance as a starter is promising; he managed a 4-1 record when Prescott was out in 2022. Although the Cowboys’ offense didn’t score more than 25 points in any of those games, the defense played a significant role in keeping opponents’ scores low, giving Rush the support he needed to secure wins. His only loss as a starter was against the Eagles, a game in which he threw three interceptions. Rush holds a 5-1 career record as a starter, which suggests he is capable of managing the team effectively in Prescott’s absence.
Jerry Jones acknowledged that Prescott’s injury is a setback but expressed confidence in Rush’s ability to lead the team. He emphasized the importance of adjusting their offensive strategy and making the most of their roster during Prescott’s absence. Jones believes the Cowboys can still remain competitive by utilizing all their available players and executing well in each game, hoping to maintain their standing until Prescott can return.
