Sources: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to miss 6-8 week following surgery

It was a nightmare season opener for the Cowboys, as they not only were completely stifled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they lost star quarterback Dak Prescott to a thumb injury.

Hearts sank when Prescott left the field, as Dallas faithful immediately began hoping for the best. However, Todd Archer of ESPN delivered some demoralizing news that could mean the end of the Cowboys’ season before it even begins.

“Dak Prescott is expected to have surgery Monday on a right thumb injury and miss 6-8 weeks, according to multiple sources,” tweeted Archer. “He will meet with the team’s hand specialist on Monday, but sources said he will have a pin and plate inserted to stabilize the joint.”

Additionally, Archer added that Prescott will be placed on injured reserve, and may not be able to return until November.

“He will likely be placed on injured reserve but will be eligible to return later in the year,” added Archer. “If he follows the 6-8 week timeframe, he could return as soon as Oct. 30 vs. Chicago or Nov. 13 at Green Bay following the bye.”

Moreover, It wasn’t a great performance for Prescott prior to his injury. The quarterback completed less than half of his passes, going 14-of-29 for just 134 yards and an interception. Dallas failed to score a touchdown all evening and dropped the game to Tampa Bay by a score of 19-3.

“Real disappointed before Dak’s injury,” Jones said. “And certainly disappointed after it.”

Prescott exited the game late in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to his throwing hand. He came out during the drive and was examined by medical staff on the sideline while Rush came in to relieve him. Prescott later jogged off the field and back to the locker room, where he received X-Rays.

Afterwards, it was theorized that Dallas backup Cooper Rush will take over as the starter for the foreseeable future. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the plan, saying the team will need Rush to “step up” in Prescott’s absence.

“We’ll have to have Cooper (Rush) step up,” Jones said according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “He’ll get all the reps and we’ll go from there.”

Rush finished the contest 7-of-13 passing for 64 yards as the Cowboys lost 19-3. A Central Michigan product, he started one game last season against Minnesota when Prescott was out due to injury. Cooper Rush went 24-of-40 passing for 325 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 20-16 Cowboys victory.

After having Super Bowl aspirations all offseason, the Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ season went up in smoke on Sunday. Now, it’s going to take some serious maneuvering — and a little bit of luck — to keep them afloat until the former Mississippi State star can return to the field.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.