The NFL will be represented by the Dallas Cowboys in this season’s edition of “Hard Knocks.”
However, the situation of their starting quarterback might be the hardest knock in their campaign.
Dallas had high hopes coming into this season because they have a seemingly loaded roster.
Michael Gallup, Amari Cooper, and CeeDee Lamb can initiate track meet to collect yards and touchdowns.
Ezekiel Elliott is out to redeem himself after a down year.
On defense, rookie Micah Parsons is competing like a beast.
But their efforts won’t matter if Dak Prescott will not be able to suit up.
Coming into training camp, the Cowboys are positive that Prescott can pick up from where he was prior to the ankle injury.
Unfortunately, another injury is poised to dampen their hopes.
Prescott is suffering from a strain in his latissimus dorsi muscle.
It’s an injury that baseball players often incur, but the Cowboys PR machine is telling fans to not press the panic button.
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
His MRI should not be a cause for concern, and the injury is minor in nature.
Regardless of the severity of his condition, having him back is a good decision for Jerry Jones and the front office.
Contract Controversy Over
Jones was confident that they would sign Prescott to an extension before his rookie contract expired.
However, the two sides could not agree on a final value.
Seeing Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million deal, Prescott and his agent, Todd France, wanted to get an annual value that is close to what Mahomes will be receiving.
On the other hand, Jones offered around $35 million annually but for a lengthy contract.
The conversations resolved nothing, leading to Prescott getting the franchise tag in 2020.
He earned $31.4 million because of the tag and was poised to get the tag for the second straight year.
If Dallas gave him the tag again, he was set to earn $37.68.
There’s was even a possibility of him leaving the Cowboys because of Andy Dalton’s signing.
But there was no need to sweat because the two parties finally agreed to an extension earlier this year.
Prescott gave the green light to a four-year, $160 million contract.
Dak Prescott will make $75M in the first year of his new contract, per @RapSheet 💸 pic.twitter.com/a3ko34DYFK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 9, 2021
The amount is right in the middle of what Prescott wanted and what Jones offered.
Beyond the money, bringing him back makes perfect sense.
Despite numerous speculations of transfers, the quarterback market remains dry.
The talent level at the position significantly drops down if Prescott will not suit up.
Poised For A Resurgence
Prescott’s career started on a good note when he led the Cowboys to 13 wins and a playoff appearance in his rookie season.
They would make the playoffs again in 2018 but lost in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams.
The following year, Prescott tallied his best year with 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns, and a 65.1 percent completion rate.
But he was on his way to obliterate his 2019 stats if not for his injury in Week 6 of the 2020 season.
Now that he’s back, Prescott is out to prove that his fight to being one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL continues.
Cowboys fans will love his attitude of getting active during training camp because he has been out for so long.
However, his return to full action might undergo another delay.
Once he returns, the Cowboys will be in business.
NEXT: Mike McCarthy Could End Up On Hot Seat In 2021