### Dak Prescott Faces Season-Ending Surgery Due to Hamstring Injury

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is preparing for season-ending surgery on a partially torn hamstring, contingent on the opinion of one final specialist. Prescott is scheduled to travel to New York early next week to meet with this specialist, with Cowboys' medical staff already convinced that surgery is necessary—a procedure that would bench him for four months.

The potential surgery is set for Wednesday, should the specialist align with the team's assessment. The Cowboys view this approach as a proactive measure to mitigate future complications that could arise from allowing the injury to heal naturally. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones mentioned that Prescott had a strong preference to avoid surgery. In recent years, Prescott has undergone several surgeries, including those on his right ankle, right thumb, and left shoulder.

Presently, the Cowboys sit with a 3-5 record as they head into Sunday's challenging game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who stand at 6-2. Quarterback Cooper Rush is slated to replace Prescott and is set to make his first start of the season. A loss on Sunday would drop Dallas to 3-6, placing the team substantially behind division leaders, Washington and Philadelphia. In such a situation, the Cowboys might prioritize ensuring Prescott's full recovery in preparation for the 2025 season.

Regardless of the final decision, Prescott is anticipated to be placed on injured reserve next week. If placed on IR next week, the earliest possible return for Prescott would be on December 15 against the Carolina Panthers. Sources indicate that a non-surgical recovery could take about 6-8 weeks, but surgery remains the planned course of action pending the specialist's evaluation.

For the upcoming Sunday game against Philadelphia, Prescott's spot on the 53-man roster isn't needed, so he will be among the team's inactive players. Cooper Rush will start as quarterback, with Trey Lance serving as the backup. Head coach Mike McCarthy has noted the team is contemplating signing another quarterback, either to the active roster or practice squad, during Prescott's absence.

Historically, when Rush has substituted for an injured Prescott, the team's offense did not exceed 25 points per game. However, their defense has been robust, allowing just over 15 points on average per game. The team may also consider special packages that incorporate Trey Lance into their plays. Both Rush and Lance are in the final year of their contracts, emphasizing the urgency of this season.

This marks the second time in Prescott's career that he ends the season on injured reserve, the first being in 2020 due to a dislocated and fractured right ankle suffered in Week 5. The Cowboys have also elevated cornerback Josh Butler and wide receiver Jalen Cropper from the practice squad. Notably, cornerback Trevon Diggs managed to participate in Saturday's practice despite an illness that kept him out on Friday.