Dak Prescott’s health is improving, but Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy says the team is remaining cautious despite that good news.
Prescott broke his ankle early last season, and his recovery from that injury has been imperative in the Cowboys’ approach the training camp. Inevitably, Dallas’ success in the 2021 campaign relies almost solely on not just Prescott’s ankle, but his shoulder as well.
That’s right — in the midst of one tough injury recovery, Prescott was dealt another blow with this throwing shoulder. The ailment wasn’t deemed too serious for Dak to participate in some drills, most notably those which were deemed necessary for his ankle rehab, but it’s still worrisome with the NFL season right around the corner.
Prescott has returned to throwing drills in practice, but his issues aren’t fully behind him.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy preaches caution with Dak Prescott
"“The biggest thing is really to stay on course with his work,” McCarthy said, via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “We’re playing it cautiously. I’m trying to come up with new words here, but it’s the same plan. When he was sat down, you have to build up his volume of throws again. We just really don’t want to put him in a position where he can reinjure it. We’ll continue to work on that plane.”"
McCarthy has preached patience with Prescott all training camp, and it’s worked. Dak is reluctant to accept he has an added limitation, but with his long-term contract inked, he knows how important staying healthy will be as he enters his prime years.
Cowboys: Will Dak Prescott play this preseason?
McCarthy hasn’t committed to playing Dak at all this preseason.
"“If he doesn’t play this week I won’t play him in the fourth game,” McCarthy said. “To me, the fourth game is for the players who are competing for the final roster spots. That’s what I believe in, and that’s definitely the case for us this year.”"
In the end, the preseason is meaningless except for Prescott to get his feet wet. If he’s unable to do so by the team’s third exhibition game, then there’s no real reason to risk further injury.