The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff aspirations took a major hit with reports that star quarterback Dak Prescott is planning to undergo season-ending surgery on his partially torn hamstring. According to sources close to the situation, Prescott is set to visit one final specialist early next week for a conclusive opinion, but Cowboys medical personnel are already anticipating that surgery will be necessary to properly address the injury.
The decision to opt for surgery now rather than letting the hamstring heal on its own is reportedly driven by a desire to avoid potential complications down the road. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had previously indicated that Prescott was hoping to avoid going under the knife, especially given his recent history of surgeries on his right ankle, right thumb, and left shoulder.
Cooper Rush Steps into the Spotlight
With Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys will turn to backup quarterback Cooper Rush to lead the offense. Rush, who filled in admirably during Prescott’s absence last season, is slated to make his first start of the year this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While Rush has proven himself to be a capable game manager, there are concerns about whether he can elevate the Cowboys’ offense to a level that keeps them competitive in a tough NFC East division. In Rush’s previous stint as the starter, Dallas struggled to score more than 25 points per game, relying heavily on their defense to keep contests close.
A Pivotal Matchup Against the Eagles
Sunday’s clash with the Eagles takes on added significance given the Cowboys’ precarious position in the standings. At 3-5, Dallas can ill afford another loss that would drop them four games behind their division rivals. A win, however, could keep their playoff hopes alive and buy Prescott additional time to recover.
Either way, Dallas is expected to place Prescott on injured reserve next week.
– ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Should the Cowboys fall to the Eagles, the focus may shift to ensuring that Prescott is fully healthy for the 2025 season. Multiple sources indicate that without surgery, the quarterback would need 6-8 weeks to recover, a timeline that could push his return to mid-December at the earliest.
The Trey Lance Wildcard
One intriguing wrinkle in the Cowboys’ quarterback situation is the presence of Trey Lance, who will serve as Rush’s backup against Philadelphia. The talented but inexperienced signal-caller could see the field in certain packages designed to take advantage of his unique skill set.
Both Rush and Lance are in the final years of their contracts, adding an element of intrigue to how the Cowboys navigate the position in the coming weeks. Strong performances from either player could impact their future with the franchise and potentially reshape the quarterback room in Dallas.
Déjà Vu for Dak
For Prescott, the prospect of another season-ending trip to injured reserve is an all-too-familiar one. In 2020, he suffered a devastating right ankle injury that ended his campaign in Week 5. The quarterback has displayed remarkable resilience in bouncing back from previous setbacks, but the accumulation of injuries has to be concerning for both Prescott and the Cowboys.
As the team awaits final word on Prescott’s status, the focus turns to Rush, Lance, and a defense that will need to carry the load if Dallas is to keep its postseason dreams afloat. The coming weeks will test the depth and resolve of a Cowboys squad that entered the year with championship aspirations but now finds itself grappling with the harsh realities of life without its franchise quarterback.
