The Dallas Cowboys are facing yet another significant setback as quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to be out for multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained during Sunday’s 27–21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The news was reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Monday, adding to the challenges the Cowboys have faced throughout this tough season.
Prescott’s absence will force head coach Mike McCarthy to make adjustments as the team prepares to move forward without their starting quarterback. For now, it appears that backup quarterback Cooper Rush will step in as the starter in Prescott’s place. Rush, who has served as Prescott’s backup in recent seasons, will have the daunting task of trying to keep the Cowboys’ season afloat in the coming weeks.
The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, with Prescott visibly in pain and eventually being ruled out.
He appeared to pull his hamstring during a key play, and there were also concerns about his throwing hand, which medical staff examined on the sidelines. Although the extent of the injury is still unclear, the hamstring issue will require significant recovery time, leaving the Cowboys without their star quarterback for an indefinite period.
Prescott has been a key figure for the Cowboys, starting all eight games so far this season and guiding the team to a 3–5 record.
RELATED: Cameras Capture Dak Prescott’s Explicit Three-Word Comment Perfectly Summing Up Cowboys’ Season
Despite the losing record, Prescott has demonstrated resilience on the field, completing 64.7% of his passes for 1,978 yards, throwing 11 touchdowns, and recording eight interceptions.
His leadership has been crucial for Dallas, even as they’ve faced inconsistent performances and struggles in key moments.
The season began on a high note for Prescott personally, as he signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension during Week 1, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
The lucrative deal was a reflection of the team’s confidence in Prescott as their franchise quarterback. However, injuries have once again cast a shadow over his season, with this latest hamstring issue being yet another hurdle for both him and the team.
The Cowboys as a whole have had a challenging year, marked by inconsistency on the field and now compounded by Prescott’s injury. The team’s struggles have led to growing frustration among fans, who have started to call for changes within the organization.
Many are questioning head coach Mike McCarthy’s future with the team, arguing that his leadership has not yielded the expected results.
Despite these concerns, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that he is standing by McCarthy, at least for the time being. Jones has expressed confidence in his head coach, emphasizing the need for stability as the team faces adversity.
Dallas will face a difficult schedule in the coming weeks, with three crucial matchups on the horizon. The Cowboys are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles, the Houston Texans, and the Washington Commanders.
These games are especially important given the stakes: two NFC East rivalry games against the Eagles and Commanders, as well as an in-state clash against the Texans. Each of these games presents a significant challenge, and the Cowboys will need to find a way to compete without their star quarterback.
As Cooper Rush steps in, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys adapt to this latest blow. Rush has previously shown flashes of competence when called upon, but stepping into Prescott’s shoes is no easy task.
The Cowboys’ offensive line, run game, and defense will need to step up collectively to support Rush and keep the team competitive during Prescott’s absence.
For Dak Prescott, the priority now is recovery. While the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, the hope is that Prescott will be able to come back strong and rejoin his teammates as they push for a potential late-season surge.
Until then, the Cowboys must rally together, with each player stepping up to fill the void left by their leader. The path ahead is challenging, but the Cowboys are no strangers to adversity—and how they respond to this latest setback will define their season.
