Dak Prescott injury history: Every ailment that has kept him out of a game for the Cowboys

Dak Prescott's contract and future with the Dallas Cowboys is one of the biggest NFL storylines as training camp approaches. While there is a debate to be had whether Prescott deserves to become the highest-paid player in league history, he's an elite QB and deserves to be paid as such.

Whether it's with the Cowboys or another team, Prescott will get at least $60 million per year. If he's allowed to reach free agency, multiple teams will bid for his signature, meaning his price tag could jump as high as $65 million.

In vacuum, Prescott is everything you could want in a franchise quarterback. What he lacks in raw athleticism and arm talent he makes up for with accuracy and a high football IQ. He's also a terrific leader and knows how to handle the media.

Availability is a big deal for quarterbacks and Prescott has stayed relatively healthy for most of his career. He has, however, succumbed to a couple of freak injuries over the years.

Dak Prescott's early career and initial injuries

Prescott took the NFL by storm as a rookie in 2016. He led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record while throwing for 3,667 yards and 24 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Prescott was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, finished sixth in MVP voting and made the Pro Bowl.

He made all 16 starts in year one and didn't get banged up until his fourth season in 2019 when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder in a December game against the LA Rams. Prescott didn't miss any time with the injury and he missed only one game in 2021 with a right calf strain.

Dak Prescott major injuries and recovery phases

Dak Prescott's devastating ankle injury in 2020

Prescott started every game his first four seasons before he suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle against the NY Giants in October of 2020. He missed the rest of the season and the Cowboys sputtered en route to finishing 6-10 in Mike McCarthy's first year as head coach. The disappointing season set the stage for the selection of Micah Parsons in the 2021 draft.

It was a long road to recovery for Prescott, who underwent surgery the night of the injury to repair the dislocation and cleanse the wound to prevent a possible infection. The QB went under the knife again two months later to mitigate long-term concerns with the ankle, but he was back under center for the first day of 2021 training camp.

Dak Prescott's fractured thumb in 2022

Prescott suffered another freak injury in the first game of the 2022 campaign when his hand crashed into Buccaneers pass rusher Shaq Barrett. Prescott initially thought he jammed a finger, but further tests revealed a fractured thumb. He underwent surgery and was given a 6-8 week recovery timeline.

The three-time Pro Bowler avoided going on injured reserve and returned in Week 7 after a five-game absence. He led the Cowboys to an 8-3 record in the final 11 games.

Recurring issues and long-term impact for Dak Prescott

Prescott fortunately hasn't suffered any recurring issues from his ankle or thumb injuries. He did, however, give Cowboys fans a scare last week when he was spotted with a walking boot on his surgically-repaired right ankle. Prescott said he experienced some soreness in the ankle following two hard workouts and that the boot was precautionary as he was going on vacation.

It doesn't appear that the ankle will limit Prescott in training camp, but Cowboys fans will be on high alert from here on out.

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