Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has opted for surgery on his torn hamstring, officially ending his season. With the Cowboys’ playoff hopes already dwindling, Prescott’s absence will be a significant setback for the team. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced the decision on his Tuesday radio show, sharing that Prescott will undergo the surgery in New York on Wednesday.
Surgery Details and Recovery Outlook
Jones expressed confidence in Prescott’s recovery, stating, “His prognosis is wonderful. It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year.” Prescott sustained the injury over a week ago during the Cowboys’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He remained on the sidelines as Dallas suffered a fourth consecutive loss, a 34-6 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles at home.
Initially, the Cowboys had hoped Prescott would be out for only a month. However, after consulting with specialists, it became evident that surgery was the best course of action. Recovery from this type of injury typically takes about three months, similar to the time frame former Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith faced when he sustained a comparable injury two years ago during training camp.
Prescott’s injury is classified as a “partial avulsion,” meaning the hamstring was partially torn from the bone. While partial avulsions don’t always require surgery, Prescott’s case necessitated the procedure. This injury marks the second time in five years that Prescott will miss more than half a season due to injury. In 2020, he fractured his ankle in Week 5, and the Cowboys ended that season with a 6-10 record.
Implications for the Cowboys’ Season
The Cowboys, currently sitting at 3-6, face a challenging road ahead as they prepare to host the Houston Texans (6-4) on Monday night. This setback has intensified concerns that the Cowboys could miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The team had previously performed well, finishing with a 12-5 record and clinching NFC East championships for three consecutive playoff seasons.
Before his injury, Prescott’s performance had been underwhelming compared to previous seasons. He recorded 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with the Cowboys’ offense ranking around the middle of the NFL pack—a significant drop from their playoff years when they ranked among the league’s top offenses.
Quarterback Challenges for the Cowboys
In Prescott’s absence, Cooper Rush started against the Eagles, managing just 45 passing yards—the lowest for a Cowboys starter since Matt Cassel’s 37-yard game in 2015, another challenging season for Dallas. Rush was briefly replaced by Trey Lance in the third quarter before Lance took over for the remainder of the game. Together, Rush and Lance totaled just 66 passing yards, marking the Cowboys’ lowest passing yardage since their 34-yard game in a 10-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001.
What Lies Ahead for Dallas
With Prescott out for the season, the Cowboys will need to regroup as they seek alternative strategies to keep their playoff hopes alive. The pressure is now on backup quarterbacks and the rest of the team to adapt quickly. If Prescott’s recovery goes well, he should be ready for the start of the next season, giving the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback ample time to recover fully and return to peak form.
As the Cowboys navigate the remainder of their schedule without Prescott, the focus will be on how the team rallies in his absence. Fans and analysts will closely watch to see if Dallas can overcome the odds and make a late-season push, or if this injury marks the end of their playoff dreams for 2025.
