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Dak Prescott started the first 64 games of his career and played almost every offensive snap. But in Week 5 of the 2020 season, the Cowboys quarterback suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his ankle that ended his season. In 2021, he had a shoulder injury that kept him out of part of training camp and a calf injury that kept him out of a game.
Now, at the season opener on Sunday, he was diagnosed with a fractured thumb which will require surgery on Monday.
Prescott showed up for his post-game press conference with a black splint on his injured right hand.
“Yes, it’s very disappointing, but injuries happen,” Prescott said. “Can’t really control it. Just a pity. Of course I will miss some time, not being there for my team. That hurts more than anything, especially after the start we just laid out. I wanted to be able to respond and not necessarily have this opportunity for several weeks. Yes, it’s unfortunate, but I’ll do what I’ve always done whenever adversity comes. Take it head first and I’ll do my best and I’m sure I’ll come out of it better.
Prescott will be out for several weeks but the injury isn’t the end of the season.
“You have to look at the fact, no he’s not out for the year in any way. He’ll be out for several games, but not for the whole year,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “Let’s just come in here and win a few games and be there so that when the time comes we can fight for those playoffs.”
With 6:02 before the season-opening 19-3 loss to the Bucs, Prescott completed a pass to Ezekiel Elliott for a 3-yard loss. His throwing hand hit Shaq Barrett’s hand as he swung through.
“I thought I jammed it,” Prescott said. “I mean, I’ve gotten so many bodies in my career, a lot, and never really had anything [except] maybe a pinched finger, and I actually thought that was it. When I realized on the next play that I couldn’t grab the ball, I let the touchline know. Then when I got out, I told the coaches the same thing. I said, ‘I can’t believe it. I have a feeling if you yank it I’ll be fine.’ And I came in and had an X-ray and things were different.”
Cooper Rush, meanwhile, will take over as quarterback for the Cowboys with Will Grier as backup.