Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is seeking another medical opinion to avoid what could be a season-ending surgery on his torn hamstring, according to a source familiar with the situation. Prescott’s decision comes after suffering the injury during the Cowboys’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week. He’s scheduled to visit a specialist on Monday, hoping to find an alternative to surgery, but the uncertainty leaves the Cowboys in a precarious spot as they head into a critical stretch of their season.
Prescott’s hamstring injury marks the second major setback in just five seasons for the 31-year-old signal-caller. It’s a painful reminder of the 2020 season when he missed the final 11 games with a broken ankle, a blow that derailed Dallas’ playoff hopes. Now, with the Cowboys sitting at 3-5 and riding a three-game losing streak, the possibility of losing Prescott again could spell disaster for their playoff ambitions. The injury comes at a time when the Cowboys offense has already been struggling, even when Prescott was healthy.
Prescott’s absence has forced the team to turn to backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who will make his seventh career start this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2). Rush, a 30-year-old undrafted player in his eighth NFL season, is no stranger to stepping in for Prescott. He previously filled in admirably during the 2021 season and had a solid 4-1 record as a starter in 2022 when Prescott dealt with a thumb injury. However, the current circumstances are less favorable for Rush, as the Cowboys’ offensive line has become a glaring issue.
The once-dominant Dallas offensive line now features a mix of inexperienced and inconsistent players, contributing to the team’s ranking as the second-worst rushing offense in the league. This decline has made it even harder for the Cowboys to establish a rhythm on offense, putting extra pressure on Rush to deliver in Prescott’s absence. Unlike previous seasons, Rush will not have the benefit of a strong supporting cast, as key starters have moved on or are battling injuries.
Despite these challenges, Rush remains optimistic about his upcoming start. “You play a ton of ball in college, it’s stuff you’ve been doing your whole life,” Rush said. “Trust who you are, and the system is the system. You do what you’re supposed to do. You do what you’re coached to do.” His confidence will be tested against a strong Eagles defense, as Dallas looks to end their losing streak and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Adding a glimmer of hope to the Cowboys’ current predicament is the expected return of star pass rusher Micah Parsons. After missing four games with a high ankle sprain, Parsons is slated to suit up against the Eagles, potentially providing a much-needed boost to a defense that has struggled in recent weeks. His presence could help alleviate some of the pressure on the offense and give Dallas a fighting chance against their NFC East rival.
The timing of Prescott’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as he had just agreed to a historic contract extension worth $240 million over four years, making him the first player to earn an average of $60 million per year. That deal, which kicks in next season, was seen as a long-term commitment from the Cowboys, banking on Prescott to lead them deep into the playoffs. However, with his future now uncertain, the team faces the prospect of navigating another season without their franchise quarterback at the helm.
In many ways, the Cowboys’ current struggles reflect the challenges of building a sustainable contender around a high-priced quarterback. While Dallas has invested heavily in Prescott, the supporting cast has shown signs of decline, and the offensive line’s issues have exposed the team’s lack of depth. The Cowboys now find themselves at a crossroads, needing Cooper Rush to play above expectations and hoping that Prescott’s injury doesn’t end his season prematurely.
The upcoming game against the Eagles will be pivotal for the Cowboys, as a loss could put them further out of playoff contention. All eyes will be on Cooper Rush and Micah Parsons, two players tasked with keeping the team afloat while Prescott seeks a way to avoid surgery and make a late-season comeback.
