The 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys has been unforgiving. Just when fans thought the team's injury list couldn't get any worse, Dak Prescott went down in Week 9 with a hamstring injury.
Prescott was quickly ruled out in the fourth quarter and he sounded alarms by describing the injury as something he's never felt before. Between four years at Mississippi State and eight season as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, Prescott has never suffered a hamstring injury.
While Prescott has not had a great season - it's arguably been the worst of his career - it goes without saying he gives Dallas a better chance to win than Cooper Rush.
Unfortunately, Prescott's hamstring injury is significant and will sideline him for today's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and potentially beyond. It will be the Cooper Rush show Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott won't play in Week 10 vs. Eagles
It has since been learned that Prescott suffered a partial avulsion to his hamstring tendon, which means it is partially torn off the bone. The three-time Pro Bowler is seeking a second opinion and was placed on injured reserve this weekend.
The Cowboys are trying to determine if Prescott needs surgery, per the Dallas Morning News. That would end his season, though, and team owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday that Prescott doesn't want to go under the knife. He wants to finish the season with his teammates and fight for a playoff spot if that is within Dallas' purview.
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Multiple reports have said Prescott would likely miss more than four games. This might be a case of the Cowboys having to save Prescott from himself. While his grit is commendable, it would be reckless for Prescott to rush back from this injury, especially with Dallas sitting 13th in the NFC.
This is seemingly a very fluid situation. Again, though, Prescott's injury was described as a "pop" - not a pull. His tendon is dangling off the bone.
Prescott will see how the hamstring responds to rehab before surgery is completely ruled out. Putting the 31-year-old on IR was the sound move. He is out a minimum of four games, meaning he isn't eligible to return until Dallas' Week 14 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 9.
The team announced Cooper Rush will start against the Eagles. It remains to be seen how long of a leash Rush will have, but newly-minted QB2 Trey Lance will be waiting patiently for his opportunity, if it ever comes.