By TODD ARCHER
ATLANTA — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott tapped on the wooden lectern when asked if a hamstring injury might sideline him after Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Prescott is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to gauge the injury’s extent. Owner and GM Jerry Jones described it as a “high hamstring” strain.
“Hard for me to say, but I’d expect to be out there next week,” Prescott said about the Cowboys’ upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 10. “I’ve healed quickly from past injuries, so we’ll see. When we get the MRI, we’ll have a better idea, but it would take a lot to keep me off the field.”
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also faces an MRI for a right shoulder AC joint issue, though Jones hopes Lamb will play, as he managed to on Sunday.
Prescott’s injury happened during a 5-yard scramble in the third quarter. On the following play, cameras caught him wincing as he threw a 10-yard pass to Jalen Brooks.
“I felt something after I stood up from the run; not during it,” Prescott recalled. “Could have been from the tackle, but I just noticed it standing up. Initially, I didn’t think it was serious. Physical game, things like this come and go.”
Upon dropping back, Prescott noted, “I felt something unusual. It hurt to walk on it.”
Medical staff advised he could worsen the injury if he continued, so he was replaced by Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter.
Prescott finished 18-of-24 for 133 yards and a touchdown, with a season-high 30 rushing yards, including a 22-yard run in the second quarter. That run marked the longest of the Cowboys’ season, as Prescott entered the game with 24 rushing yards.
Although Prescott’s right hand appeared swollen on TV, Jones downplayed its significance, given the hamstring injury.
“I am concerned Prescott might miss time,” Jones admitted.
Rush went 13-of-25 for 115 yards with a touchdown in relief. Before Sunday, Rush had played sparingly, completing 9 of 14 passes for 52 yards and an interception this season. In 2022, he went 4-1 as a starter after Prescott broke his thumb in the season opener.
If Prescott can’t play, Trey Lance would back up Rush.
“Obviously, having [Prescott] is best, but Cooper’s experienced, and we trust him,” said Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin. “He commands the huddle, knows the plays, and we’re confident with him.”
Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract before the season opener, making him the NFL’s highest-paid QB. Including Sunday, he’s started 36 consecutive games since a thumb injury. In 2020, he missed 11 games due to an ankle injury and missed one in 2021 with a calf strain.
He hopes to make it 37 consecutive starts next week.
“This game is as much mental as physical. Even without practicing, I can get the reps I need,” Prescott said. “Playing quarterback, every play is your play, whether you’re in or not. Coop went in and did his job well, showing he understands. If I can’t practice, I’ll stay involved mentally and get my usual reps and more.”
He added, “It’s essential to test the hamstring. I’ll do all I can to recover, get some practice reps, and be ready for the game.”