Dak Prescott wants to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but it may not make sense to push his limits.
It’s without question that playing Prescott gives the Cowboys the best chance to win this weekend, but even he understands the decision is out of his hands.
“Knowing this is a long journey and a long season, I don’t necessarily know if this is fully my decision, but I’m just going to keep controlling the things I can to get better,” Prescott said Thursday. “I’ve gotten better each and every day, and that’s what is most important. I’m just focused on doing that again tomorrow.”
Dak missed the majority of last season with a broken ankle, so Cowboys fans know all too well what it’s like to be without Prescott long-term. Dallas will avoid that fate at all costs.
Will Dak play tonight against Vikings on SNF?
Dak’s status remains up in the air for Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys were taking the decision on whether to activate him or not down to the wire, with team officials using all of Sunday to evaluate him on the field in Minnesota before making a call.
If Dak can’t play, Cooper Rush will be the starter for Dallas.
Prescott will reportedly not play against the Vikings.
Dak Prescott will be inactive tonight for the @dallascowboys, per source. Cooper Rush will start and Will Grier will be the backup vs. the @Vikingsp. Pre-game warm-ups for @Dak did nothing to change expectations.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) October 31, 2021
Dak Prescott injury: Cowboys QB listed as questionable
The Cowboys are expected to have a better idea by Saturday whether or not Prescott will be able to play. For now, they’ve listed Dak as questionable, which doesn’t do us much good.
The #Cowboys list QB Dak Prescott as questionable with a calf injury after being limited in practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2021
Considering he’s one season removed from a serious injury, Prescott has placed a lot of trust in the Cowboys medical staff as to certain thresholds he needs to pass before Sunday.
“They didn’t tell me which ones I’ve got to pass,” Prescott said. “Obviously I trust myself, trust my body, trust what I’m thinking, but also I trust the coaches and Britt, Jim [Maurer] and the whole training staff. We’ve put a lot into this. I’ve put a lot into my body and taking care of myself.”
Expect the Cowboys to proceed with caution, and if there are any blips on their radar leading up to Sunday, they’ll sit Dak. Cooper Rush has taken reps with the starters all week in practice, so he’ll be ready just in case.