Dak Prescott suffers a partial hamstring avulsion
The Dallas Cowboys face a significant setback as quarterback Dak Prescott suffers a severe hamstring injury, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. This development threatens to derail the team’s season, already marred by inconsistency and challenges.
Prescott’s injury has been diagnosed as a partial avulsion of the hamstring tendon, where the tendon partially detaches from the bone. This condition typically requires a recovery period exceeding four weeks.
Prescott’s pain was visible during his final pass against the Falcons, and medical staff promptly shut him down, unwilling to risk further damage. NFL Network’s Jane Slater confirmed Prescott’s hamstring injury and hinted that recovery might stretch beyond the standard four-week timeframe. Prescott, however, is exploring other medical opinions in hopes of a faster return.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, left little doubt about Prescott’s future in his recent radio interview.
“It’s likely we’ll IR him,”
he stated, meaning Prescott would miss at least four games. The Cowboys, already grappling with a 3-5 record, now face the challenging task of keeping their season alive without their star QB.
Prescott’s absence is especially critical with upcoming games against division rivals, including the Eagles and Giants. With a sidelined Prescott, Dallas has no choice but to rely on backups – Cooper Rush and possibly Trey Lance – to keep the team in contention.
Before his injury, Prescott completed 64.7% of his passes, throwing for 1,978 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. These numbers reflect a challenging season for both Prescott and the Cowboys, who currently hold a 3-5 record.
Prescott has faced multiple injuries in recent years, including a fractured and dislocated ankle, a calf strain, and a broken thumb since 2020. His resilience in returning from these setbacks offers hope for a strong comeback once he is fully healed.
The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule includes crucial division matchups, starting with a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 10.
In Prescott‘s absence, backup quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to start. Rush has a 5-1 record as a starter, including a 4-1 run in 2022 when Prescott was sidelined with a thumb injury. The Cowboys did not add another quarterback at the trade deadline, indicating confidence in Rush’s ability to lead the team during Prescott’s recovery.
Yet, if the season spirals further, we might see Trey Lance take the field. The former third-round pick, acquired from the 49ers, has yet to prove himself in Dallas. With Lance entering free agency next year, he may see this as his shot to make a mark and potentially find a long-term role elsewhere.
Read More: Winners and Losers of the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline: Who scored and who stalled?
Image Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images