With Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders, Cooper Rush became the first QB in Dallas Cowboys history to win his first four games as a starter.
Great job, Cooper. Now when is Dak Prescott coming back?
In the immediate aftermath of Prescott’s Week 1 injury, Jerry Jones told the media QB1 would be out six to eight weeks. A few days later, Jones walked back his statement.
Jones said because the surgery on Prescott’s fractured thumb went so well, he could return sooner than expected. So Dallas opted to keep Prescott off the injured reserve, which would’ve forced him to sit a minimum of four games.
It’s unclear when Prescott could suit up again, but here’s what we know about when he could possibly return:
Dak still hasn’t practiced
Just last week, Prescott had the stitches removed from his thumb. He then was seen at practice throwing a softball-shaped ball, and as the week progressed he started throwing footballs again.
The Cowboys were limited to just three practices last week because they played on Monday Night Football. In each of the sessions, the seventh-year QB was listed as a non-participant.
Prescott’s progression in practice this week will be telling as Dallas prepares for a road game against the Los Angeles Rams. If Prescott isn’t a full participant in each practice session, it’s unlikely he’ll suit up on Sunday afternoon.
Rush’s solid play could keep Prescott sidelined
The Cowboys are a perfect 3-0 this season since Rush took the reins of the offense. He’s thrown for a total of 673 yards, four touchdowns and has yet to turn the ball over.
Initially, Jones said Rush’s performances wouldn’t impact Precott’s timetable to return. Meaning no matter how well Rush plays, as soon as Prescott can suit up, he will.
But Jones should consider taking that statement back. To be fair, Jones (along with the rest of us) couldn’t have predicted Rush would play as well as he has. The fifth-year QB has far exceeded everyone’s expectations.
It was also reported by ESPN that the Cowboys are “eyeing” a possible return for Prescott this week against the Rams. But the same report noted the Cowboys want Prescott to be as close to 100% healthy for the Week 6 matchup with the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
Unfortunately for Dallas, having Prescott at full-strength vs. the Eagles will likely mean he needs to sit out against the Rams. But that’s OK because Rush has proven he’s capable of getting a win on the road this week against the Rams.
The defending Super Bowl champions have been underwhelming through three games this season. Los Angeles was embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, losing 31-10. In Weeks 2 and 3, they got a pair of wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.
Each win came by only one possession, as the Rams have won by an average of six points this season. Simply put, Los Angeles hasn’t shown the ability to blow teams out the same way they did in 2021.
Unless Prescott can show in practice he’s undoubtedly ready to make his return against the Rams next week, it would be wise to give Rush one final start this season. Let’s just hope whenever Prescott does come back, he plays well and the ‘Rush should start over Prescott’ narrative can be laid to rest.
