The Dallas Cowboys faced another setback after further tests revealed the severity of Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury.
Prescott sustained the injury during the Cowboys’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, adding to the team’s struggles in the first half of the 2024 NFL season, where they posted a 3-5 record. Following the initial diagnosis, Prescott sought second opinions after reports indicated he had suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring, meaning his hamstring tendon had partially torn away from the bone—a serious condition.
Despite the gravity of the injury, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Prescott is optimistic about returning this season. “He’s still going through the process,” McCarthy said, according to the Associated Press. “I visited with him again this morning on it. He’s still collecting information, different opinions, and that will continue through next week. But he’s here every day.
“I think that would be his goal [to return to the field after his hamstring injury]. I know he wants to keep playing, but I think it’s important to go through the process and gather all of the information. This is obviously a serious injury.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also spoke about the situation, indicating that Prescott will likely be placed on injured reserve due to the severity of the injury. This would sideline Prescott for at least four games as he works on his recovery. However, if surgery is required, his season would be over. Jones admitted to being “concerned” when he first saw Prescott’s reaction to the injury. “It concerned me when I saw the play or I saw him have a reaction to any weakness that he might have had there in his ham,” Jones said. “We just have to take a look at that.”
NFL Network’s Jane Slater added further insight, noting that a partial tendon tear could take more than four weeks to heal, which could jeopardize the Cowboys’ playoff hopes if Prescott is out for an extended period.
Despite the challenges, Jones expressed confidence in his team’s ability to weather the storm, even as the Cowboys face adversity this season. “We’ll tell you this that I’ve been around. I’ve seen Michael Irvin tear up and cry when he couldn’t lose anybody because he’s just recovering from knee surgery,” Jones said. “Yet his — came back and led the team to three Super Bowls. I know you can be there if you’re there. That room’s full of guys that can get it done. I believe in ’em, coaches and all.”
With Prescott sidelined, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will take over when the Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
