Mike McCarthy updates the status of injured QB Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott took a week to heal his injured calf, as the Cowboys opted to start backup quarterback Cooper Rush against the Minnesota Vikings. What transpired was a storybook performance for Rush, capped off with a game-winning touchdown pass.

Well, Rush did his part — but it seems like his story may be just a one week chapter. According to Dallas coach Mike McCarthy, Prescott is on-track to return to his post as the Cowboys starting quarterback.

“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said QB Dak Prescott (calf) will see first-team reps in practice today,” tweeted Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “Didn’t take those reps last week. ‘The plan is for him to practice and play’ Sunday vs. Broncos.”

It was reported originally that Prescott’s injury would likely only cause him to miss one week. Luckily for Dallas, McCarthy confirmed that to be true on Thursday.

However, Prescott may not have his fantastic tackle in Tyron Smith to protect him. After the update regarding his quarterback, McCarthy added that it may be tough for Smith to play this weekend.

Perhaps the Cowboys are catching the Broncos at the right time, as the team just traded away star defender Von Miller. That’s one less dangerous pass rusher for Prescott to avoid as he’s on the field.

Prescott praises Cooper Rush

The Cowboys continued to roll on after defeating the Vikings on Sunday night, but that victory is a special one as it came with Prescott sidelined for the game. In his place, backup Cooper Rush took over the signal-calling responsibilities and the Cowboys’ offense didn’t miss a beat. Earlier this week, head coach Mike McCarthy praised the play of his backup quarterback.

“I was glad everybody got to see that because that’s Cooper Rush. He plays the quarterback position like a seasoned veteran,” said McCarthy. “Dak was his biggest supporter, cheerleader all the way through.”

Rush delivered a solid performance in his spell of Prescott and even outplayed Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Rush went 24-40 passing on the game for 325 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Meanwhile, Cousins was 23-35 or 184 yards and a touchdown. And although he was injured, Prescott was highly involved on the sideline cheering on his understudy.

“There wasn’t a moment I thought he was too high or nervous or rattled,” said Prescott. “That’s Coop. He’s very mild-tempered and always that way — never too high or too low. It showed tonight.”

It’s awesome to see the brotherly-love between Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. However, Cowboys fans will feel relief in seeing that Prescott will likely be back under center for Dallas.