November 6, 9:00 p.m.: The Dallas Cowboys are assessing Dak Prescott’s injury to determine if the quarterback will need season-ending surgery, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
If Prescott’s tendon can heal naturally, he may still return this season. However, if surgery is necessary, he would be sidelined for the rest of the year, potentially ending the 3-5 Cowboys’ playoff hopes.
5:15 p.m.: Prescott’s absence may extend beyond the initial four-week estimate.
NFL.com’s Jane Slater reports that the initial diagnosis revealed a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, an injury in which the tendon is partially torn from the bone.
Prescott is currently seeking additional medical opinions, but the Cowboys want a clear timeline before making any decisions.
This injury resembles the one that sidelined Tyron Smith for most of the 2022 season.
Smith, then the Cowboys’ left tackle, sustained an avulsion fracture in late August, tearing a hamstring tendon.
He did not return until December, indicating that Prescott could face a similar timeline. The Cowboys, however, are waiting for further information.
November 5: Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury, which forced him to exit the Cowboys’ Week 9 loss, may keep him sidelined for a significant period.
Team owner Jerry Jones stated on Tuesday (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) that Prescott is likely to be placed on injured reserve.
Testing from the previous day showed the injury to be more severe than initially thought, prompting the expectation of a multi-game absence.
An IR stint would confirm this, as it would keep Prescott out for at least the next four games, which include divisional matchups against each NFC East team.
With a 3-5 record, the Cowboys faced a challenging path to the playoffs even with Prescott available.
His extended absence could further reduce their postseason chances, potentially shifting their focus to the offseason.
Prescott’s absence also provides an opportunity for Cooper Rush, and possibly Trey Lance, to take over under center.
Prescott was last placed on IR in 2020, and had missed only five games since then before this injury.
His hamstring issue represents a setback for the team, which already faces a steep climb to a wild-card spot.
Prescott recently secured a historic contract extension, averaging $60 million per year, raising the stakes for his health both now and in the long term.
In his absence, Rush, 30, will add to his 30 career appearances (including six starts) as he heads into free agency.
Lance, also set to hit the open market in spring, may also see game action and have a chance to rebuild his value.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s AC joint sprain isn’t considered serious, and he may be available for Week 10 against the Eagles.
Edge rusher Micah Parsons could also return, which would bolster the defense. Nonetheless, Prescott’s expected absence dims the Cowboys’ hopes of a midseason turnaround.
