Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys, now 3-5 after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, are facing a big challenge with quarterback Dak Prescott expected to miss several weeks. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Prescott would be out for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a right hamstring injury. According to a report from ESPN, Prescott may miss multiple games, though the team is waiting on a second opinion before deciding if they will place him on injured reserve. If that happens, Prescott would be out until December 9, when Dallas faces Cincinnati.
In Prescott’s absence, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will start against the Eagles. McCarthy expressed confidence in Rush and said that the team’s preparation approach remains unchanged.
“It really doesn’t change anything with us. Even speaking with Dak earlier, this is about the quarterback room. We’ve always invested all the time and energy into the quarterback, Dak, that has the football. “So now it’s Cooper’s turn, and Dak will be part of that process. We’ll rally around him and make sure that we do everything we can to make sure that he’s prepared. We’ll just keep going about it the way we’ve gone about it.”
Injury Updates on CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Others
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also suffered a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in the game against the Falcons. Lamb, who has missed only one game in his career, will undergo further evaluations, but McCarthy remains hopeful about his availability. Lamb initially hurt his shoulder during a 10-yard catch in the second quarter and aggravated it later while diving for a pass in the end zone.
Defensive end Micah Parsons, who leads the team in pressures despite missing four games due to a left ankle injury, could return this week. McCarthy noted that Parsons is “feeling better” and will get practice time on Wednesday to gauge his readiness for the upcoming game.
“He’s going to get some practice time Wednesday. It’ll be a big day to kind of point us in that direction,” McCarthy said. “It looks like he’s going to be able to potentially be on the practice field.”
Cornerback DaRon Bland, who has been sidelined all season due to foot surgery in August, might also return to practice this week. Additionally, running back Ezekiel Elliott, who missed last week’s game for disciplinary reasons, is expected to be available against Philadelphia.
Challenges Ahead for the Cowboys
Prescott’s absence comes in a season where he has recorded 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. In Sunday’s game, he broke a streak of three consecutive games with multiple interceptions, completing 133 yards and one 3-yard touchdown pass.
“He’s been through these before, and again it’s not going to change who he is,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. “He knows there’s a ton of football left to play, and he understands that we can find ways to win football games while he’s watching, helping, and doing whatever it takes to play his part.”
Rush, who went 4-1 as the starter in 2022 while Prescott recovered from a thumb injury, has proven reliable in past games. McCarthy praised Rush’s steady presence, saying, “Cooper Rush is [as] respected as a backup quarterback … since Rich Gannon when I was with Rich in the ’90s with the Kansas City Chiefs. “He carries that type of credibility. He’s a great teammate. Rush is someone you can see the young guys lean on. He’s wicked smart, instinctive, does a great job when he runs the scout team. He just does everything the right ways. He’s an excellent pro. There will be plenty of confidence in him.”
Potential Trade Moves Before Deadline
As the trade deadline looms, Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones hinted at potential moves but ruled out any high-profile trades. McCarthy added that deals would only happen if they fit the team’s needs and goals.
“I don’t think it’s as much as what you need; it’s really what’s available and does it help you get better,” McCarthy said. “That’s how I’ve always approached the trade deadline. Obviously, I don’t have a lot of history of bringing players on at the trade deadline. I think if things are right, the value and everything that goes into it, this isn’t just on a decision based off of this position, that position. It all has to fit together.”
With Prescott’s injury and other player returns up in the air, the Cowboys will need to lean on their depth as they aim to stay competitive in a challenging season.
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