Dallas Cowboys fans held their breath when quarterback Dak Prescott made an early exit after their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After the game, it was revealed that he broke his right thumb and surgery will be needed.
That’s a bigger concern for the Cowboys aside from their 19-3 loss.
Cooper Rush, the only other quarterback on Dallas’ active roster, will take over in Prescott’s absence.
Rush has started one game in five NFL seasons.
Meanwhile, the timeline for Prescott’s return is still uncertain, but in a good way.
From @GMFB: The #Cowboys declined to place QB Dak Prescott on IR, while things are looking up for #Patriots QB Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/B7utm1Jcwc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2022
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “From @GMFB: The #Cowboys declined to place QB Dak Prescott on IR, while things are looking up for #Patriots QB Mac Jones.”
Rapoport mentioned in a recent appearance on Good Morning Football, “Interesting situation with the Dallas Cowboys yesterday. They elected not to put Dak Prescott on injured reserve. Remember, he had successful surgery to repair that broken thumb, a fracture on the base of his thumb. He had a plate inserted all to stabilize the thumb.”
Getting his right thumb sorted out is important because he wouldn’t have a good grip on the ball in his throwing hand.
But by not putting him on injured reserve, they are betting on his quick recovery.
Changing Timetable For Prescott’s Return
Initially, reports revealed that Prescott will be out for six to eight weeks.
Meanwhile, it was adjusted to four to six weeks after the successful surgery.
The Athletic’s Jon Machota also shared Cowboys owner Jerry Jones‘ recent statement that Prescott could be back within four weeks.
Regardless of length, he is set to miss considerable playing time like he did in 2020 after a season-ending ankle injury.
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