FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is set to miss at least one game due to a hamstring injury, which the organization announced on Monday is still undergoing assessment.
Coach Mike McCarthy has officially ruled Prescott out for the upcoming home game against Philadelphia. The injury occurred during the latter half of a 27-21 defeat against Atlanta.
Unverified sources have indicated that Prescott may be sidelined for several games, adding to the struggles the Cowboys have faced this season (3-5), particularly as they navigate their first three-game losing streak since 2020. During that challenging season, which ended with a 6-10 record, Prescott did not play in the final 11 games due to an ankle fracture.
After the game against Atlanta, Prescott remarked that he first sensed an issue with his hamstring while scrambling, and later experienced an unusual feeling during a throw, causing him to sit out the fourth quarter.
In Prescott’s absence, Cooper Rush stepped in to lead the Cowboys against the Falcons. Rush holds a commendable record of 4-1 as a starter from two years ago, having filled in when Prescott sustained a thumb injury in a loss to Tampa Bay in the season opener. This marked the beginning of a successful period that included two additional playoff appearances for the Cowboys.
The team currently trails Washington and Philadelphia by three games in the NFC East standings. The reigning division champions will host the Eagles (6-2) this Sunday, where Rush is anticipated to take the helm as quarterback.
Trey Lance, who was drafted as the No. 3 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, will serve as Rush’s backup. The 49ers traded him to the Cowboys after he lost out on the backup role with his former team.
In Prescott’s first eight seasons with Dallas, the team has missed the playoffs twice when he was unable to maintain his health throughout the entire season. The 2017 campaign was particularly impacted by running back Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension related to domestic violence allegations. A promising start in 2019 spiraled into an 8-8 finish, leading to the dismissal of then-coach Jason Garrett. Coach Mike McCarthy, who stepped in as Garrett’s successor, is currently navigating the final year of his contract.
