Cowboys thankful for Cooper Rush, but clearly excited for Dak Prescott return

Although the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff and front office are still using words like “if” and “we hope,” all signs are pointing to Dak Prescott starting his first game since he broke his thumb in Week 1 this Sunday. He was medically cleared to practice on Wednesday, which would allow him to get the full week of throwing in that his head coach desired before starting.

While he has slowly been making progress with rehab and inflammation, Prescott made big leaps in Week 6. He was a limited participant in practice for the first time on Thursday and he was taking snaps and throwing to receivers in Philadelphia (before the game) on Saturday and Sunday.

The day before Sunday Night Football, he threw two 7-on-7 sequences, and he also threw 50 throws in a scripted workout to practice squad receivers on Sunday. The 29-year-old told reporters he felt great after those sessions and his plan was to start in Week 7.

Although Stephen Jones was a little more hesitant on Monday, Jerry Jones seemed to all but confirm that if Prescott can practice he will be ready to go in Week 7:

"“Let’s just say this, he’s determined to (start against the Lions. We feel like that physically, he’s at a position that the risk/reward justifies him being out there, in terms of any reoccurrence of the injury. Set that off to the side, we don’t have that to think about. So, it’s a question of him getting ready. And he’s gonna be given every opportunity to this week to get ready to go play.”"

Cowboys players express their excitement for Dak Prescott to hopefully return in Week 7

Before we get all excited about Prescott being back, it is worth noting what backup QB Cooper Rush was able to do for this team. He may not have had a ton of offensive success, but he did enough to lead this team to four wins and one loss. Rush was better than expected and kept this team afloat after all hope was lost.

His teammates are all grateful for what he did. However, after the loss to the Eagles on Sunday, many Cowboys were quick to reveal their excitement about the return of No. 4.

Future Hall of Famer Zack Martin was particularly complimentary of Rush when he spoke to ESPN’s Todd Archer:

"“When you get your starting quarterback back [it’s great]. But Coop, I can’t say enough of what he’s done for us this year. We talked about it after that first game that we’ve got to right the ship while [No.] 4 is out. I think Coop answered the bell and did just that. He’s done a great job. But obviously, when Dak’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go.”"

Fellow 2016 draftee and close friend of Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, knows that once his QB1 is ready, things will be great for the team.

"“We’re ready to get 4 back. As long as he’s healthy and ready to go, it will be good to get him back.”"

Another person to speak up was Prescott’s new WR1, CeeDee Lamb. During the offseason, the starting QB always spoke positively about Lamb’s potential and even asked to have their lockers moved next to each other so they could start building a better bond as QB-WR duo. The third-year receiver said that Prescott will bring even more potential to an already (in his words) good offense:

"“Sky’s the limit. The offense is very good, and everyone knows this. When we get him back, we’re going to show everybody.”"

Obviously, some people are split about Dak’s return. Some don’t trust him to be the franchise QB this team needs. Others feel Rush didn’t pale in comparison to what Prescott is capable of. However, there has to be some merit to hearing the excitement from his teammates. They trust No. 4 to get the job done. We will see if he is able to do so in Week 7, in a game that should be a great opportunity for him to ease into things.

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