Dak Prescott injury update: Targeted return date for Cowboys QB revealed

There is now a firm timetable for quarterback Dak Prescott to return for the Dallas Cowboys from his thumb injury.

The Dallas Cowboys‘ 2022 season could not have gotten off to a worse start. Prior to the season, the team saw offensive tackle Tyron Smith and wide receiver James Washington suffer injuries. Then in the season opener, the Cowboys were outmatched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To make matters worse, quarterback Dak Prescott left the game in the fourth quarter due to a hand injury, and owner Jerry Jones revealed immediately after the game that he would be sidelined for several weeks to undergo surgery on his right thumb.

For Cowboys fans wondering the exact time frame that Prescott could return to the team this season, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has the answer.

Rapoport tweeted out that Prescott had successful surgery to stabilize his fractured thumb on Monday, Sept. 12. The NFL insider then said in a separate tweet that it is possible that Prescott could return either for the team’s Oct. 30 game against the Chicago Bears, or on the Nov. 13 game against the Green Bay Packers. The latter game falls after the team’s Week 9 bye.

Cowboys: Dak Prescott looking at a return before or after bye week

This is certainly welcome news for the Cowboys, as Prescott could return for the second half of the season. However, they are looking at a tough schedule in the quarterback’s absence, with Cooper Rush slated to fill in for Prescott.

Below is the team’s schedule leading up to the Bears game:

• Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 3: at New York Giants
• Week 4: vs. Washington Commanders
• Week 5: at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions

Even with Prescott healthy, the Cowboys had no answers for the Buccaneers. However, the team was without Smith, Washington, and wideout Michael Gallup entering the game. Not only that, but offensive guard Connor McGovern left the game due to a high ankle sprain.

Prescott completed 14-of-29 pass attempts for 134 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception in the 19-3 loss.

Obviously, the return date is subject to change based on Prescott’s recovery. But for you Cowboys fans looking for a target date for Prescott returning to hopefully lead the team into the playoff hunt, keep an eye on Weeks 8 and 10.