Former NFL wide receiver James Jones found himself in the spotlight this week after making controversial comments about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, accusing him of quitting on his team. On Tuesday’s episode of “The Facility” on FS1, Jones voiced his displeasure over the idea that Prescott might be placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
Jones, a Super Bowl champion, argued that a hamstring injury shouldn’t sideline a quarterback for more than a couple of games, at most. He questioned the severity of Prescott’s condition, insinuating that the injury wasn’t serious enough to warrant an extended absence since it wasn’t a full hamstring tear.
“Dak is quitting,” Jones said during the broadcast. “And it’s crazy because it ain’t even funny though. My man is quitting on these dudes. I’ve had a hamstring injury plenty of times. And I’m back the next week. I’m not Tyreek Hill. It doesn’t take four weeks for you to heal from a hamstring injury. You’re no Lamar Jackson, you’re not Jalen Hurts. You’re not running—where are you running to? Four weeks? Basically put me on ice for four weeks. No fight, no nothing. This is a hamstring for a quarterback who is not explosive at the quarterback spot.”
Jones continued, “If they tried to hold me out, I would say, ‘Who am I running away from?’ I’ve been 4.5-4.6, I’m gonna stay 4.5-4.6 with a bad hammy. So I’m going out here and playing. Dak Prescott, with the way the season is going right now… We heard him on the sideline with what he said. Dak is quitting on these boys. Is it off the bone or something? Because there is no way you’re telling me you’re out four weeks with no answers, no fight, no nothing for a hamstring. And you’re a quarterback. There ain’t no way.”
RELATED: Stephen A. Smith Proclaims 2024 Season ‘Finished’ for Dallas Cowboys
Jones doubled down on his stance on Wednesday, insisting that Prescott’s injury was not as severe as a hamstring torn off the bone. However, he was quickly proven wrong.
NFL Network’s Jane Slater later reported that Prescott is dealing with a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, which essentially means that part of his hamstring ripped off the bone. This revelation made it clear just how serious Prescott’s injury was, causing Jones to reconsider his harsh comments.
Jones took to social media to issue an apology to Prescott as soon as the news broke. “Nawww… this can’t wait until tomorrow! That’s my fault… seeing the reports of how bad it might be… that’s tough! God Speed Dak,” Jones wrote on X, expressing regret over his previous criticism.
Prescott himself has not addressed Jones’ remarks, seemingly opting to focus on his recovery instead. The Cowboys quarterback has faced his fair share of adversity throughout his career, and this latest setback will require all of his resilience.
In eight games this season, Prescott has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 1,978 yards, along with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Last season, he was a major force for the Cowboys, throwing for 4,516 yards with 36 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, helping his team remain a playoff contender.
With Prescott sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Cowboys will look to Cooper Rush to step in and lead the offense. Rush, who has previously shown his capability as a backup, will need to keep the Cowboys competitive until Prescott is ready to return.
The situation with James Jones highlights just how much scrutiny quarterbacks face, especially one with Prescott’s stature. Prescott has been a vital part of the Cowboys’ success, and while his injury might keep him off the field temporarily, his presence and leadership are irreplaceable.
Meanwhile, Jones’ quick apology serves as a reminder of how quickly judgments can change when all the facts come to light.
Prescott’s journey to recovery will be closely watched by Cowboys fans and the football world alike, as they hope for his swift return to the field. For now, Dallas will need to rally behind Rush, knowing that their star quarterback is doing everything he can to heal and get back in the game.
