The Dallas Cowboys experienced a scare in their Week 6 overtime victory when quarterback Dak Prescott needed assistance leaving the field due to a calf injury. Fortunately for Dallas, the bye week came at the perfect time.
Prescott, who wore a protective boot during his post-game press conference downplayed the injury. A further evaluation determined he suffered a calf strain and the franchise was hopeful that the Week 7 bye would give him enough time to heal.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys believe there is a chance Prescott could practice on Wednesday at the earliest. While they will be cautious, Dallas is increasingly optimistic that Prescott will suit up to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8.
Playing the long-term approach is the wise move and it’s already been used before. When Prescott experienced problems with his shoulder at the start of training camp, Dallas shut him down.
Following multiple consultations with MLB teams, who are more familiar with the lat strain Prescott was dealing with, the Cowboys brought their quarterback along slowly and everything worked out.
- Dak Prescott stats (2021): 1,813 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 73.1% completion rate, 8.4 ypa and 115.0 passer rating
With the Cowboys returning to practice, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will receive a majority of the first-team reps to start out. It allows Dallas to get him comfortable with the starters, in the unlikely event Prescott can’t play in Week 8.
Assuming Prescott is cleared to play late in the week, he’ll take the field on Sunday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. With a strong performance, Dallas could move to 6-1 and its star quarterback can significantly improve his MVP campaign.