More details emerge on Dak Prescott's injury timeline, surgery

The Dallas Cowboys season was thrown into turmoil in Week 1 when quarterback Dak Prescott injured his hand. He hurt it on the follow-through of a pass late in the game. Reportedly, it’s going to cost him six to eight weeks and required surgery. In the meantime, Cooper Rush will take over as the starter.

Now, NFL insider for ESPN Ed Warder has new information on Dak Prescott’s injury and the timeline for his recovery.

“QB Dak Prescott required a plate and screws to repair and stabilize fracture near right thumb,” Ed Warder said in a tweet. So, Prescott needed to stabilize the bone while it heals. To do that, he had to undergo surgery.

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Jerry Jones made the surprising decision not to put Dak Prescott on injured reserve. Had he done that, the Cowboys would have been able to open up a roster spot on their 53-man roster. Instead, for the next few weeks, they’ll be playing with one less player than they could.

“Dak has a real chance to be back out there throwing the ball pretty quick,” Jones added. “That’s not being an optimist.”

Ed Warder gave further explanation for this decision.

“Among the reasons he’s not being placed on IR is to allow the flexibility to have him to eventually take practice reps as he gets closer to a potential return to play.”

Dak Prescott’s recent injury history has been a concern. The former Mississippi State quarterback had a compound fracture and dislocated ankle during the 2020 season. Then, in 2021, he battled through both shoulder and calf injuries. Now, he’s dealing with this surgery on his thumb.

Dak Prescott on his injury

Dak Prescott gave his own context to the injury that he suffered following the game, explaining that he thought he just jammed it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be worse.

“Yeah, it’s very disappointing, but injuries happen. Can’t necessarily control it. Just unfortunate. I’m obviously going to miss some time, not be there for my team. That’s what hurts more than anything, especially after the start that we just put out there. I wanted to be able to respond and not necessarily having that opportunity for several weeks. Yeah, it’s unfortunate, but I’ll do what I’ve always done anytime adversity comes. Take it on head first and I’ll give my best, and I’m sure I’ll come out of this better,” Dak Prescott said.

“Thought I jammed it. I mean, I’ve hit on however many bodies, a lot in my career, and never really had anything [except] maybe a jammed finger, and I actually thought that’s what it was. The next play I realized I couldn’t grip the ball, let the sideline know. Then, when I got off, I told the trainers the same thing. I said, ‘I can’t grip it. I feel like if you yank it, I’ll be OK,’ and I came in and got X-rays and things were different.”