With the way the NFC East unfolded last season, the Dallas Cowboys wished that Dak Prescott was playing.
They could have won the division if he was still under center.
After all, he was on a scorching pace to start their campaign.
He had consecutive games of 450, 472, and 502 passing yards against the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Unfortunately, his fifth NFL season abruptly ended with an ankle injury after a tackle by the New York Giants’ Logan Ryan.
Prescott sat out the remainder of the year, and the Cowboys finished at 6-10.
With his ankle surgically repaired, Prescott and the Cowboys are gearing up to make a postseason return.
But just as he recovered from a horrific injury, in comes another.
Knowing how valuable he is, the Cowboys are cautious to give their newly-extended quarterback the go-signal to compete.
An Unusual Football Injury
Good news, Cowboys fans: it’s not about the ankle again.
Prescott has repeatedly claimed that he feels fine working with his right ankle that took two surgeries to reconstruct.
However, the former Mississippi State standout removed himself from their July 28 practice due to a shoulder injury.
He complained of a sore throwing shoulder, and the MRI showed a latissimus strain.
It's not a setback.
And it's not a reason to worry.
But QB Dak Prescott is planning on getting another MRI.— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 12, 2021
It’s an unusual condition because it rarely happens to football players.
In contrast, it’s a common occurrence in Major League Baseball.
No wonder the Cowboys consulted trainers from the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers on properly dealing with the injury.
Both MLB teams recommended extended rest for Prescott’s shoulder injury.
That’s why Cowboys athletic trainer Jim Maurer had to limit their quarterback’s throwing.
He can still participate in exercises, but his shoulder cannot be aggravated.
But since the injury came to light, Prescott is not joining team drills either.
He also did not join the squad in the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Advancing With Caution
Prescott is optimistic that the shoulder injury is nothing serious.
Still, the Cowboys are not risking his speedy return to full practice because the shoulder is essential to a starting quarterback’s livelihood.
The team is taking it day-by-day before they can give him a clean bill of health.
Bring him back too early and the strain can develop into a severe condition.
Of course, the Cowboys want to get the most out of their quarterback that they just signed to a four-year, $160 million contract.
With players like Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Gallup, Amari Cooper, and CeeDee Lamb on offense, the Cowboys have a good shot of making a playoff push.
However, that goal won’t happen without Prescott.
QB1 back in action 🎯@Dak | #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/EeFJpGDCSC
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 11, 2021
He’s the one capable of running the offense like a well-oiled machine.
Therefore, they are protecting him like a prized possession.
Most likely, he will see limited practice in the last five weeks before the season starts.
The chances of him playing in the preseason are slim to none.
Instead, the Cowboys will have him continue his rehabilitation at their practice facility until Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.
They will be facing the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.
If they are to win, they will need a fully healed Prescott.
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