By Cale Clinton, RJ Kraft, Jon Machota and Saad Yousuf
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury will see him miss several weeks, according to a league source. The 31-year-old’s ailment is worse than initially expected, according to a team source
Prescott was injured in the team’s 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. Cooper Rush, a seven-year veteran, came on in relief of Prescott and is expected to be the starter while Prescott is out.
Prescott went in the injury tent with team trainers following Dallas’ field goal drive at the end of the third quarter. Trainers were also seen examining Prescott’s bloodied hand during the ensuing Falcons drive. The Cowboys quarterback returned to the sideline after six minutes, remaining in his uniform, but did not return to the game.
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In his postgame press conference, Prescott said he “felt something I never felt” when pulling his hamstring.
Prescott exited Sunday after an efficient passing day, completing 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. He also added 30 rushing yards on three carries, including a 22-yard run that is the longest by a Cowboys player this season. On the season, the three-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, 8 interceptions and has a 64.7 completion percentage. Right before Dallas’ Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, Prescott agreed to a 4-year, $240 million extension.
Rush last started for the Cowboys in 2022, going 4-1 while filling in for an injured Prescott that season en route to the team going 12-5 and reaching the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. Rush finished out Sunday’s loss, completing 13 of 25 for 115 yards and a passing touchdown. He was able to lead a 14-play, 86-yard touchdown drive inside the two-minute warning and convert the two-point conversion to bring the game within six points, but Dallas was unable to recover the ensuing onside kick. Rush has appeared in four games this season for the Cowboys.
What’s the plan at quarterback?
It wasn’t a good sign yesterday when Prescott said he felt something pull in his hamstring and then added it was something he’s never felt before. Things just continue to get worse for the 2024 Dallas Cowboys. Not that they were going great with Prescott, but they’re not going to be any better without him.
The plan will likely be for Rush — the backup — to start Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Going with Trey Lance would be a sign that they are waving a white flag on the season. Many would say the season is already over at this point, but the Cowboys don’t feel that way. Rush has been a successful backup when called upon. In his career, he’s 5-1 as a starter. He’ll get the first opportunity. But if the losses just continue to pile up, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Lance get some work. — Jon Machota, Cowboys beat writer
Can Rush keep the team afloat?
If this entire season had unfolded with Prescott on the final year of his contract, there would potentially be a few different conversations going on. Even before the injury, and factoring in all of the team’s struggles around him, Prescott hasn’t played well this season. Without Rush being a bonafide NFL backup, the Cowboys could have opted to give Lance an extended look. There’s little reason to believe Lance is an NFL starter, especially considering his last game action came in the preseason finale, in which he threw five interceptions.
With Prescott locked in as the quarterback of the future, playing Lance now doesn’t do anything for the Cowboys. Their hope will be for Rush to rekindle some of his 2022 magic and keep the Cowboys afloat for some meaningful games in the home stretch. — Saad Yousuf, Cowboys beat writer
Required reading
- Despite another loss, Jerry Jones says he’s still all in and could upgrade roster
- Cowboys Today: Which of the team’s 5 losses have been the season’s worst?
(Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
