Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has opted for surgery to address his torn hamstring, officially ending his season as the team struggles to stay in playoff contention. Team owner Jerry Jones announced the decision on his radio show, expressing optimism about Prescott’s recovery while confirming his absence for the rest of the year. The injury occurred during a game against Atlanta, and the Cowboys have since endured their fourth consecutive loss, highlighting the challenges they face without their star quarterback.
The injury, diagnosed as a partial avulsion of the hamstring, typically requires an extended recovery period of around three months. Prescott consulted multiple specialists before settling on surgery, with the Cowboys citing his involvement in game planning as a way to maintain his leadership presence. The injury follows a history of significant setbacks for Prescott, including a broken ankle in 2020 that sidelined him for most of that season. The Cowboys, currently 3-6, are at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time since that year.
Prescott’s performance this season had been underwhelming, with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions, as the team’s offense ranked mid-tier in the NFL. His absence has left the team scrambling, with backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance struggling to fill the void. In Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Rush and Lance combined for only 66 passing yards, marking one of the worst offensive showings in franchise history. Rush, who started the game, reportedly suffered a neck strain, further complicating the team’s quarterback situation.
The Cowboys’ offensive struggles are compounded by the broader challenges of a fading season. Once a dominant force in the NFC East, the team now faces significant hurdles as they prepare to host Houston, a team with a winning record. Last year’s division champions, who had three consecutive playoff seasons, are now at a crossroads with their playoff hopes slipping away and a roster riddled with injuries and inconsistent performances.
Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys remain hopeful for Prescott’s recovery and future contributions. With his surgery scheduled in New York and a favorable long-term prognosis, the team will aim to regroup and rebuild for the seasons ahead. For now, however, they must navigate the remainder of the year without their franchise quarterback, hoping to salvage what’s left of a challenging season.
