The Dallas Cowboys have temporarily delayed placing star quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve following his partial hamstring avulsion suffered in practice this week. As the team weighs treatment options for their franchise quarterback, backup Cooper Rush is set to take the reins of the offense starting this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Prescott Seeks Multiple Medical Opinions
According to sources close to the situation, Prescott and the Cowboys are seeking multiple medical opinions to determine the best course of action for treating the quarterback’s significant hamstring injury. The two primary options under consideration are conservative treatment with rest and rehabilitation or surgical intervention.
If Prescott opts for non-surgical treatment, he is expected to miss approximately 6-8 weeks, potentially pushing his return to mid-December at the earliest. However, if surgery is deemed necessary, the 2024 NFL season could be over for the star quarterback.
Rush Steps into Starting Role Once Again
This injury marks another unfortunate setback for Prescott, who previously suffered a devastating ankle injury that ended his 2020 campaign prematurely. In his absence, Cooper Rush will once again be called upon to lead the Cowboys’ offense, just as he did during Prescott’s recovery in 2021.
Cooper has proven he can win games in this league. We have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead this team in Dak’s absence.
– Anonymous Cowboys staff member
Rush, who has been with the Cowboys organization since 2017, has demonstrated his capability as a spot starter, compiling a 4-1 record in games he’s started in place of an injured Prescott. His calm demeanor and command of the offense have earned him the trust and respect of his teammates and coaching staff.
Lance Elevated to Backup Role, Team Considering Additional QB Options
With Rush set to start, the Cowboys have elevated second-year quarterback Trey Lance to the backup role. Lance, a former first-round pick acquired via trade earlier this year, has been steadily learning the Cowboys’ system and will now be one play away from seeing meaningful action.
In addition to Lance, head coach Mike McCarthy has stated that the team is considering adding another quarterback to the roster, either on the active 53-man squad or the practice squad, to provide additional depth at the position during Prescott’s absence.
Playoff Implications for Dallas
The timing of Prescott’s injury could not be worse for a Cowboys team with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. Currently sitting at 6-2 and atop the NFC East, Dallas faces a daunting second-half schedule that includes matchups against several playoff contenders.
While Rush has proven capable of keeping the ship afloat in short stints, the question remains whether he can maintain a high level of play over an extended period, especially against the league’s top defenses. The Cowboys’ playoff hopes may very well hinge on the performance of their backup quarterback.
A Season Hanging in the Balance
As Prescott and the Cowboys’ medical staff work to determine the best path forward, the team finds itself at a crossroads. The decision to pursue surgery or opt for conservative treatment could have far-reaching implications not only for Prescott’s future but for the franchise’s short-term and long-term success.
For now, all eyes will be on Cooper Rush as he attempts to steady the ship and keep the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations alive. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Dallas can weather this latest storm and emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, or if Prescott’s injury will derail their once-promising season.
As the NFL season enters its second half, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves facing yet another test of their resilience and depth. With their star quarterback sidelined indefinitely, the team must rally around their backup and find a way to keep their championship dreams alive. Only time will tell if they are up to the challenge.
