Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been officially placed on injured reserve after suffering a partially torn hamstring during the team’s Week 9 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Initially anticipated to miss several weeks, it has now been confirmed that Prescott will not return for the remainder of the 2024 season.
The news was shared by team officials after Prescott underwent season-ending surgery on his hamstring, as reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. In a radio interview, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism about Prescott’s recovery, stating, “His prognosis is wonderful. It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year.”
This season, Prescott has struggled on the field, finishing with a record of 3-5 as the starter. He has completed 64.7% of his passes for a total of 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The quarterback recently signed a landmark four-year extension valued at $240 million, with an impressive $231 million guaranteed, following a standout 2023 season where he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36.
With a current season record of 3-6, the Cowboys find themselves in a challenging position as they head into Week 11. Since Prescott was drafted in 2016, Dallas has registered a 9-9 record without him, although backup quarterback Cooper Rush has shown promise with a 5-2 record as the starter during those games.
Despite the setbacks, there’s a silver lining to Prescott’s situation. His efficient surgery and positive prognosis provide the hope that he can return stronger and potentially lead the Cowboys to future victories. While the current season may be disappointing, this may serve as an opportunity for younger players to gain vital experience and for the team to regroup for a stronger performance in the following seasons.