Dak Prescott may soon be headed to injured reserve, but the question remains whether the Dallas Cowboys quarterback has taken his last snap of the season. As the situation unfolds, there are still hopes that Prescott could potentially avoid season-ending surgery, although the outlook appears uncertain.
Prescott sustained a partially torn hamstring during the Cowboys’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week, a setback that has left Dallas with even more concerns about their season. According to reports on Saturday, Prescott is leaning toward having surgery that would end his season prematurely, but he is not ready to make that decision just yet. Instead, he plans to consult with more specialists to explore all of his options before proceeding.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott is “determined to exhaust all options” before committing to surgery. Sources close to the situation say that while the quarterback remains hopeful, medical professionals familiar with the injury believe that surgery is the most likely outcome. Prescott’s hesitation is understandable, given his commitment to his team and his desire to return to the field if possible.
The Cowboys are currently sitting at 3-5, a record that has them on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff contention. Even before Prescott’s injury, Dallas was struggling to maintain its footing in the NFC playoff race. Now, with their star quarterback facing the possibility of being sidelined for the rest of the season, the team’s hopes are fading even further.
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Prescott may opt to delay surgery to see how the team performs over the next few weeks, allowing him some time to determine whether a playoff push is even feasible before making a final decision. If he ultimately chooses surgery, the estimated recovery timeline is about four months, which means Prescott could conceivably wait and still be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
This season has been an up-and-down affair for Prescott, who has thrown for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Despite inconsistent play, Prescott has remained the team leader and a key figure for Dallas.
The Cowboys will now turn to backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who is expected to step in as the starter in Prescott’s absence. Rush has seen action before and has proven to be a capable backup, but the Cowboys’ offense will undoubtedly take a hit without Prescott’s experience and playmaking ability.
Interestingly, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might not be entirely on board with relying solely on Cooper Rush. There have been rumblings that Jones could push for another quarterback to be involved, perhaps even seeking an outside addition to bolster the team’s depth at the position.
Jones has always been known for making bold moves, and with Dallas’ season teetering on the edge, it’s possible that he could explore other options to keep the team competitive.
As the Cowboys navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on Prescott’s recovery and the decisions that lie ahead.
Whether he can avoid surgery and return to action this season or ends up undergoing a procedure that sidelines him until 2025, Prescott’s determination to exhaust every possible avenue speaks volumes about his dedication to the game and his team.
The Cowboys will have to find a way to keep their season alive in his absence, and how they respond could determine whether they remain in the hunt or start looking ahead to next year.
