Dak Prescott Rumors: Cowboys Record Won't Affect QB's Playing Status amid Injury

The Dallas Cowboys' record will not affect whether quarterback Dak Prescott, who is "likely" heading to injured reserve with a hamstring injury, returns this season.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that news Thursday (30-second mark).

"The record's not going to affect whether or not he plays, he doesn't care about that," Prescott said. "But if they're bad, he's still gonna want to play. He wants to play within four games. He wants to play that fifth game. He'll wanna be out there."

The 3-5 Cowboys are two-and-a-half games out of an NFC wild card spot and three-and-a-half games behind the Washington Commanders for first in the NFC East. And Prescott, who suffered a partial avulsion of his right hamstring, will "probably" need a longer recovery period of more than four weeks, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

So it's conceivable the Cowboys are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs by the time he's able to return, but that apparently wouldn't have an impact on him getting back to the field in 2024.

If Prescott lands on IR, then he'll be out through at least the team's Thanksgiving Day game at home against the New York Giants. But Dallas will still have five regular-season contests left, beginning Monday, Dec. 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In theory, Dallas could pull the plug on the season if the 2024 campaign has gone off the rails at that point. The Cowboys' next three games are against the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles, the 6-3 Houston Texans and the 7-2 Washington Commanders. Right this moment, Dallas isn't dead yet at 3-5, but the year could in essence be over after that stretch.

It's not uncommon for teams to keep players off the field or on season-ending injured reserve if the playoffs are out of the question, but it's clear Prescott wants to play if he's good to go.

Dallas has invested its long-term future in Prescott, giving him a four-year, $240 million extension through 2028. Rapoport made clear that nothing that happens this year (e.g. if he can't play and/or has surgery) affects 2025.

But for now, the Cowboys' present is murky. At head coach, Mike McCarthy is currently in a contract year. But Prescott's health is of course of paramount importance. Rapoport noted that he and the team are seeking second and third opinions on the hamstring. He also said that it isn't expected for fans to see Prescott "on the field any time soon."

So for now, the Cowboys will be led by Cooper Rush, with Trey Lance serving as the backup. Up first is Philadelphia at home on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.