The Dallas Cowboys are facing a crisis. After a brutal 3-5 start to the season, things went from bad to worse when quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a right hamstring injury in their Week 9 loss. Reports confirm Prescott could miss multiple games, but it’s not just a matter of rest—his injury is more serious than initially thought.
Prescott has suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, which could require surgery to fix the tear where the muscle has separated from the bone. This has the potential to end his season. Although Prescott is seeking second opinions and is determined not to be placed on injured reserve, the team, led by owner Jerry Jones, is still unsure whether to add him to the IR list.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the uncertainty during an interview on 105.3 The Fan, revealing that the team is still weighing its options. Prescott is eager to stay in the game, but the decision could come at a major cost to his health and the team’s future.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said they’re still not sure if they will put Dak Prescott (hamstring) on injured reserve. “He doesn’t want surgery. He wants to be on the field and go for it. We’ll just see how it goes here.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 8, 2024
The Cowboys’ playoff hopes look slim. At 3-5, Dallas has already fallen behind in the NFC East and has a tough road ahead, with four fewer wins than the Washington Commanders. Their chances of making a playoff push are shaky at best. Given that context, the best course of action might be to sit Prescott, rather than risking further injury for the sake of a season that seems increasingly unlikely to turn around.
In the short term, not placing Prescott on IR and keeping him on the field could end up doing more harm than good. The Cowboys have to think long-term: is it worth risking Prescott’s health for a slim chance at salvaging this season?
It’s a tough call, but the smart move could be to shut Prescott down, focus on recovery, and ensure he’s ready to return next season at full strength. The future of the franchise—and Prescott’s health—may depend on it.
