Earlier today, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy revealed that starting quarterback Dak Prescott is unlikely to play in the preseason.
Prescott has not played in Dallas’ first two exhibition games as he deals with a strained right shoulder. McCarthy had already made it clear he wouldn’t use the QB in the preseason finale later this month, so this weekend’s matchup with the Houston Texans would be the only chance for Prescott to get some action before the season opener.
With McCarthy saying Prescott “probably won’t play” against Houston, it seems like Thursday, September 9 will be the next time we see the six-year veteran in a game. That’s when Dallas takes on the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in the first game of the 2021 campaign.
While no one can fault the Cowboys for being cautious with Prescott, the two-time Pro Bowler hasn’t played since suffering a season-ending injury in Week 5 last October. There’s reason to worry about him not being able to shake off any cobwebs before Week 1.
Ever since McCarthy made the announcement this afternoon, fans and pundits have debated whether or not this is the right call.
Rest vs Rust 🤔 https://t.co/WyDAYvD6kK
— Liz Loza (@LizLoza_FF) August 18, 2021
Prescott is reportedly dealing with a lat strain, an injury commonly seen in elite pitchers. Critical to rest these early and advance slowly to prevent a season-threatening situation. #Cowboys https://t.co/n5BXHOWilD
— DocFlynn (@DocFlynnNFL) August 18, 2021
Translation: “There’s no way in hell he’s playing.” https://t.co/2hDii4Gl94
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 18, 2021
#Cowboys should give banged-up Dak Prescott preseason action, says Drew Pearsonhttps://t.co/qRC9aDlb2n
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 18, 2021
Nor should he https://t.co/hw7Tk9KaZS
— Jeremie Poplin (@jeremiepoplin) August 18, 2021
Of course he’s still on a pitch count… why rush it. And he doesn’t need to play in the preseason game. Hold your horses people 😂 https://t.co/VfzQN13mOg
— DynastyChrisS 🤘🏼😝🤙🏼 (@DynastyChrisFF) August 18, 2021
Dak Prescott not playing the preseason is a major issue for me. This guy needs some reps with the first team just a game that rapport with his guys on the outside but also just the natural flow of the game . He’s going up against a great front in Tampa – I am worried..
— Joseph Thomas Rullis (@JTR2951) August 18, 2021
Prescott was on a record-setting pace last season before he broke his ankle. In four-plus games, the former fourth-round pick threw for 1,856 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Cowboys have to hope he returns to that form whenever he gets back into a real game.
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