Dak Prescott's season comes to an end as Cowboys QB set for surgery on torn hamstring

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's 2023 season has come to an abrupt end. The team's star player is set to undergo surgery on his partially torn hamstring, a procedure scheduled for Wednesday in New York. The injury occurred during the Cowboys' Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Prescott, known for his toughness, walked off the field under his own power but later described the injury as a severe one.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott out for season

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the news during his Tuesday radio segment on 105.3 The Fan, explaining that the surgery will be performed Wednesday in New York. Prescott’s injury stems from a Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where he reportedly felt a “pull” in his hamstring late in the third quarter. Describing it later, Prescott mentioned that the sensation was “something I’ve never felt,” hinting at the unusual nature of the injury.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) to undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/KWr1V1zJhs

— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2024

The Cowboys, sitting at a disappointing 3-6 record, had already braced themselves for an extended absence from their franchise quarterback. Prescott’s injury sidelined him for the Cowboys’ recent matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, where Dallas suffered a humbling 34-6 defeat. Without their star QB, Cooper Rush and Trey Lance stepped in, but neither could generate much offensive momentum, managing only a combined 66 passing yards, marking one of the Cowboys' lowest performances since 2001.

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While the surgery will ensure a full recovery, Jones acknowledged the harsh reality of the situation, stating, "His prognosis is wonderful. It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year." Prescott’s condition, a partial avulsion, involves the hamstring partially tearing off the bone. Unlike a full avulsion, which often requires immediate surgery, Prescott's condition required careful consultation with specialists before opting for surgical intervention. Recovery is expected to take at least three months, a similar timeframe to that of former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, who experienced a comparable injury during training camp two years ago.

This is Prescott's second significant injury in five years, following his season-ending ankle break in Week 5 of 2020. With a tough schedule ahead, the Cowboys now face a daunting challenge to salvage the season, as they risk missing the playoffs for the first time since Prescott’s previous injury-stricken season in 2020.

Cooper Rush is slated to start in Monday's game against the Houston Texans (6-4), and Dallas has added Will Grier to the practice squad for backup support. As the Cowboys regroup, the loss of Prescott leaves a significant void that will test the team’s resilience in the months ahead.

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