Four injured Cowboys officially ruled out for Game 2 versus Cincinnati

As expected, four injured Dallas Cowboys players have officially been ruled out for Game 2 versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott, safety Jayron Kearse, left guard Connor McGovern and backup defensive end Tarell Basham won’t suit up for the afternoon game, per the Athletics’ Jon Machota.

All four of the ruled-out players suffered their injuries in Week 1 action versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The diagnosis on each injured player after the game indicated that it was very likely they wouldn’t be able to play.

Dak Prescott could miss as many as six weeks, but potentially as few as four, as he recovers from a thumb injury that required surgery on Monday. The latest from ESPN insider Ed Werder revealed more details on his surgery.

“QB Dak Prescott required a plate and screws to repair and stabilize fracture near right thumb,” Ed Werder said in a tweet on Wednesday. “So, Prescott needed to stabilize the bone while it heals.”

Dallas is keeping Prescott off of the injured reserve so that he can get right back to work as soon as possible. It does, however, mean the team could operate with a smaller roster for several weeks.

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 his thumb injury on his throwing hand.

Cowboys deal with rash of injuries after Week 1

As for the other injured Cowboys, Tarell Basham suffered a thigh bruise and could be back on the field for Week 3 versus the New York Giants.

Left guard Connor McGovern departed in the first quarter with ankle injury. After the game, Jerry Jones revealed the starter had a high-ankle sprain. The injury leaves Dallas with two backups on the left side of the offensive line.

Meanwhile, safety Jayron Kearse left the stadium on crutches on Sunday. He has a sprained MCL that could put him out for 2-4 weeks.

The Cowboys and Bengals are both 0-1 to start the season. The Bengals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime after mustering a gutsy second-half comeback.