The health of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is arguably the most important storyline in the NFL this year.
If he’s feeling good physically and mentally, Dallas figures to have a top-five offense in the entire league.
If Prescott isn’t quite where he needs to be and has to miss games, then Dallas’ season in 2021 might be more reminiscent of what they experienced in 2020 with reserve quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Ben DiNucci.
Unfortunately, the Cowboys’ first week in training camp has served as a reminder of how volatile hopes for a promising season can be.
Prescott was hoping to get back in rhythm after only suiting up in five games last year, but experienced a setback on that road.
He departed practice in the middle of last week due to a sore arm, which was later diagnosed as a strained muscle in his right shoulder.
The sixth-year signal-caller downplayed the ailment, and expressed that he didn’t feel that this was going to hinder him significantly moving forward.
At the end of the day, these events should be a wake up call for Dallas, who should err on the side of caution, and keep him out of preseason games.
Why Dak Shouldn’t See Game Action Until Week 1
It’s not like the Cowboys needed a reminder in the form of this recent shoulder concern, but their lofty fortunes really do ride on Prescott’s ability to play a full season.
I love how Dak Prescott’s late mother is ALWAYS with him. That’s why @dak was at the top of my “wish list” for my new show. I learned so much about him during our convo & hope you do too. “Up Close with Sage Steele” streaming NOW on @ESPNPlus Thank you, Dak 🙏🏽 @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/uyl4IOTVz4
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) June 30, 2021
If the team were to lose Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, or CeeDee Lamb for any length of time individually, the offense should continue to function at a high level due to the depth they have.
If Ezekiel Elliott was forced out of game action, it wouldn’t be ideal, but reserve back Tony Pollard has shown enough to carry the load for a period of time.
Dallas has no such luxury or insurance policy with Prescott, and they should handle him with kid gloves, despite his NFL track record.
Before last season, the former Mississippi State star played in every single regular season contest during his career.
He’s known as a tough, durable and utterly dependable presence under center, who can play through ailments that might sideline other quarterbacks.
While that approach and dedication is extremely valuable, it lends itself to Prescott wanting to power through the month of August with a shoulder ailment.
The main argument supporting Prescott’s involvement in some preseason action would revolve around his recovery from the dislocated ankle suffered last year.
The thinking would be that he would need to regain his confidence moving around the pocket, and overcoming a mental hurdle of stepping into throws without worrying about what is happening around his feet.
While that school of thought certainly has its merits, the risks far outweigh the potential rewards.
#DakPrescott tells @1053thefan @gbagnation if regular-season NFL started tomorrow, he’s playing. pic.twitter.com/LZrOV3buHH
— fishsports (@fishsports) July 29, 2021
If Prescott is still getting his figurative and literal feet under him a few weeks into the season, while he is delivering accurate passes to his elite receiving corps via three and five-step drops, that’s more than acceptable.
Cooper, Lamb and Gallup figure to be good enough to get separation more often that not, which would mitigate the need for Prescott to test his lateral mobility each time he drops back to pass.
NEXT: Cowboys Fans Have A Right To Be Concerned With Dak Prescott