Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is set to undergo season-ending surgery for his torn hamstring.
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s injury was confirmed by Jerry Jones during an interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, revealing that the surgery will take place on Wednesday.
“His prognosis is wonderful. It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year,” Jones stated.
Despite hopes to avoid surgery, Prescott’s condition was serious. Jones explained that Prescott’s hamstring was partially torn off the bone, a condition known as partial avulsion. This type of injury often requires surgical intervention, similar to what former left tackle Tyron Smith faced two years ago when he missed 13 games due to a full tear.
The injury occurred in the third quarter during the Cowboys’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. After throwing an incomplete pass, Prescott was seen limping off the field, indicating the severity of his condition.
Following Prescott’s exit, backup Cooper Rush took over and started in the subsequent game, where the Cowboys suffered a significant 34-6 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rush completed 13 of 23 passes for a mere 45 yards and lost two fumbles. Trey Lance later replaced Rush, managing to complete 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards but also threw an interception.
Prescott’s injury adds to a growing list of key players sidelined for the Cowboys (3-6) this season, which includes star linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and cornerback Daron Bland. Parsons, however, made his return to the field against Philadelphia after a four-game absence.
Before his injury, Prescott was facing challenges on the field, with a completion percentage of 64.7, yards per attempt at 6.9, and a passer rating of 86—all on track to be career lows. Just hours before the season opener, the Cowboys made Prescott the highest-paid player by signing him to a four-year, $240 million extension, which includes $231 million guaranteed starting in 2025.
With Prescott now out, the Cowboys’ path to the postseason has become significantly more challenging. After their loss to Philadelphia, they face two teams with winning records next: the Houston Texans and the Washington Commanders. The absence of their starting quarterback makes the climb to a fourth consecutive playoff appearance even steeper.