ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys had already suffered a loss, 19-3, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
But it was worse the second time they lost their quarterback. After QB Dak Prescott got injured in their loss, they don’t know if they will get him back anytime soon.
Prescott will undergo surgery Monday to repair the fracture he sustained during the late break of his right thumb which happened when Prescott attempted a screen pass to running back Ezekiel Elliott. Prescott’s thumb was broken by outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, who swatted Prescott’s hand in the fourth quarter of their game against Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Prescott initially thought he jammed his finger when he could not grip the ball. When the training staff quietly helped him back to the locker room, Prescott quickly realized that he fracture was okay, but his season was over.
“This game reminds me of how daunting life can be,” Jones said. “It’s so hard to beat a boss fight only for it to disappoint you as soon as you win.”
The Cowboys will play the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Rams in their next four games.
Prescott has missed 12 games in the last 3 years with a variety of injuries. In 2020, Prescott fractured and dislocated his ankle and needed two more surgeries. By the time 2020 concluded, he had already missed one game following a weaker strain of his calf. Prescott did not even miss a day practicing due to injury this Thursday, but an unrelated new issue sidelined him for roughly a month.
Prescott insisted that he plans on playing this season, adding that medical staff told him the fracture was cleaner than it could have been. Jones added that Prescott is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Prescott noted that the team would miss out on his time during the suspension, noting that he was disappointed not be able to contribute to the team due to his suspension. He also revealed that suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct, he wants to improve upon his demeanor and will spend several weeks in reflection before he returns.
Prescott completed 14-of-29 pass attempts, 134 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception while he rushed twice for 11 total yards. Cooper Rush closed the game with 7 of 13 passing for 64 yards. When he starts next week against the Cincinnati Bengals, he is expected to play.
Prescott said that he’ll do his part to get rested and ready for the next game. However, he regretted not being able to play at 100%, knowing the context of what is going on in his personal life. He still considers perspective.
“It’s not the worst thing that’s happened to me,” Prescott said, and it actually didn’t affect his journey.
His teammates have a whole lot of faith in him.
“You have two choices.” Tight end Dalton Schultz said. “You can run away from the storm or you can run right into it.” Everyone in this locker room, myself included, are running right into that mother(expletive).