By Leila Serrano
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 National Football League season following a torn hamstring sustained against the Atlanta Falcons. This news comes as a massive blow to both the Cowboys and their fans, as Prescott has been a pivotal part of the team’s success over the last several years. Known for his leadership, athleticism, and resilience, Prescott’s absence will leave a considerable gap in the Cowboys’ lineup and could alter the trajectory of their season.
“He doesn’t want surgery. He wants to be on the field and go for it. He’s weighing that. We’re weighing that,” Jerry Jones said on his radio show last week.
Jones revealed Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the three-time Pro Bowler elected to undergo surgery to address his torn hamstring. Prescott sustained the injury late in the third quarter of the Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons while dropping back to pass. He did not return to the game, which ultimately ended in a Cowboys loss.
This marks another setback for Prescott, who previously suffered a severe right ankle injury in 2020 that required months of recovery and rehabilitation. He rebounded from that injury with an impressive 2021 season, showcasing his determination and work ethic. Despite this, the Cowboys now face the daunting task of continuing their season without their star quarterback. Prescott’s absence not only impacts the team’s offense but also its morale, as he has been a steadying influence and leader in the locker room.
“It’s tough because at the end of the day, he can not play with his current injury and either way you look at it, surgery or not, he won’t be able to return this season,” said Jacob Hirt, Cowboys fan.
Prescott was having a productive season up until the injury. His chemistry with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been instrumental in the team’s offensive success. Without him, the Cowboys may have to rely more heavily on their running game and will likely look to bolster their passing game with backup quarterback Cooper Rush.
Rush has stepped in for Prescott before, most notably in 2022, when Prescott missed several games due to a thumb injury. While Rush managed to keep the Cowboys afloat with a 4-1 record in Prescott’s absence, his experience and abilities differ significantly from those of the team’s starting quarterback. The offense will inevitably undergo adjustments, and while Rush has shown flashes of competence, he may struggle to replicate Prescott’s consistent production.
“Jones loves blowing money and his faith on one or two superstars instead of 6-7 mid range paid guys who could win you the playoff games which Dallas struggles in,” said Angel Hernandez, Cowboys fan. “Ever since Dak took over, Cowboy fans are no strangers to the playoffs, but by that time, one guy doesn’t win you the most important games. Another sense of frustration is that we have Micah Parsons, top five defensive player if not the best from the 2020 draft class running to the end of his rookie contract along with other big stars looking for an extension or worse, another team.”
For Prescott, this is another chapter in his challenging NFL journey. Drafted in 2016 as a fourth-round pick, he has consistently defied expectations, earning two Pro Bowl selections and multiple playoff appearances. However, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his career, raising questions about his long-term durability. Despite the setback, Prescott is known for his resilience, and fans and analysts alike expect him to work tirelessly to make a full recovery.
As Prescott embarks on his road to recovery, the Cowboys will need to find a way to adapt without their star quarterback while their fans hold onto hope for a quick recovery and a brighter future for the franchise’s leader.
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Photo courtesy of Kevin C. Cox.