Dak Prescott injury video creates more questions than answers for Cowboys' QB
By Jerry Trotta
The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 with their loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. In many ways, the defeat - the team's third in a row - is poetic justice for Jerry Jones, who deserves to wear Dallas' shortcomings more than anyone else.
That unfortunately comes at the expense of Dak Prescott, who was ruled out in the fourth quarter after suffering a hamstring injury on a pass attempt at the end of the third quarter.
While Prescott has yet to undergo further testing, Jones said after the game that he's "concerned" about his quarterback. Prescott himself offered an alarming explanation, saying that he "felt a pull." He described it as something he's never felt in his career.
All of these quotes hint Prescott's MRI will reveal bad news. If that isn't bad enough, Prescott was seen walking off the field after the loss with in obvious discomfort in a clip captured by Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Dak Prescott injury video creates more concern for the Cowboys
While it is encouraging that Prescott was able to walk off under his own power, this creates more questions than answers for the Cowboys.
The fact Prescott felt a pull suggests he's dealing with a hamstring strain at minimum. The recovery time for a strain depends on its severity.
A Grade 1 strain can heal in a matter of days or a few weeks, while a strain of the Grade 2 variety generally fall in the weeks-to-month range. Grade 3 strains are normally a complete rupture of the muscle and often require surgery for a full recovery.
At the very least, Prescott should be considered a long shot to suit up in Week 10, which is Dallas' first clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. It would be fitting of the 2024 season if Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland are able to return for that game only for Prescott to be sidelined.
It is almost surprising that a hamstring injury forced Prescott from the game. The Cowboys' offensive line was a disaster on Sunday. Prescott took a beating all afternoon and even received treatment on the sideline for an apparent pinky injury. His throwing hand looked severely swollen. Before you knew it, he was ruled out with the hamstring.
Prescott's MRI may ultimately reveal two separate injuries. It's been that kid of a season for Dallas.
The 32-year-old is known for jogging - borderline running - off the field and into the locker room after games regardless of the result. That he struggled to walk signifies Cowboys fans should brace for bad news.