Dak Prescott addresses missing week 8, status for week 9

Dak Prescott confirmed reports on his injury status after the Dallas Cowboys clinched win No. 6 of the season versus Minnesota on Sunday night.

As it turns out, the NFL MVP candidate could have played after straining his calf two weeks ago. However, the team made a cautious (and bold) decision to hold him out, instead, relying on Cooper Rush to get the win in his first NFL start.

“I had a plan all week, trying to progress and get myself out there,” Prescott shared post-game. “We made a call at the end, of having a chance to come out with a win, without me playing, and be able to get healthy and not have something re-injure and linger past this week.”

Naturally, the former Mississippi State Bulldog also got questions about Week 9 versus the Denver Broncos and whether he’ll play.

“For sure,” Prescott said. “I was getting prepared to play this game. I’m a guy that takes it day-by-day, moment-at-moment, and right now, I’m going to celebrate this win with the guys and worry about rehabbing … tomorrow.”

The sixth-year pro has thrown for 1,813 yards and 16 touchdowns, which was tied for third-most in the NFL at the end of Week 6.

Cooper Rush ended the night 24-of-40 with 325 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a pick and the Vikings sacked him three times. Dallas’s 20-16 win came down to the wire with a game-winning touchdown from Cooper to Amari Cooper.

Prescott nearing return, Diggs, Smith banged up

Despite the Cowboys’ big win without Dak Prescott on Sunday night, it wasn’t all good news. Two of their stars left the game with injury concerns — cornerback Trevon Diggs and offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

On Monday morning, NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided an update on the Cowboys star players.

“Cowboys star CB Trevon Diggs should be fine from his ankle injury yesterday, while LT Tyron Smith will undergo tests today on his sprained ankle, source said,” tweeted Rapoport. “A little more concern for Smith, but tests will determine how significant it is.”

First, Diggs suffered his injury on one of the final plays of the game. As the Vikings attempted to drive for a game-winning touchdown, Diggs banged his ankle against the ankle of Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Immediately, Diggs was looked at by trainers, seemingly in great amounts of pain. Luckily, it seems as if Diggs will be fine moving forward.

As for Smith, his injury is a tad more serious. The Cowboys left tackle has been bitten by the injury bug, as there was trepidation originally regarding his status due to a neck injury. Now, a sprained ankle is bothering the former USC Trojans offensive lineman.

As one of the best tackles in the league, Smith has been a rock for the Cowboys. Whether it’s Cooper Rush or Dak Prescott at quarterback, either benefits from Smith protecting their blindside.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.