DALLAS — Dak Prescott will have season-ending hamstring surgery in New York on Wednesday, according to Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
Prescott did not play against the Eagles after reports surfaced he had suffered a "partial avulsion of the hamstring tendon," a rare injury where the hamstring muscle tendon contracts so suddenly and forcefully that it tears away from the bone.
Avulsions of the hamstring tendon are often misdiagnosed as a simple hamstring pull, but if left untreated can inflict further damage.
“His prognosis is wonderful. It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year,” Jones said of Prescott's impending surgery.
Jones’ weekly appointment on the Shan & RJ show on 105.3 The Fan was somber for a team that has lost four in a row and has yet to win a game a home despite going undefeated in the regular season in their building just a season ago. He talked about the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and looked forward to the week’s matchup with the in-state rival Houston Texans.
“You’ve got me really good and softened up, so let me have it,” Jones kicked things off as the hosts complimented Jones for showing up for his weekly show and being willing to hear criticism and accept blame for things turning sour quickly for Dallas this season.
“It is no joy in Mudville to sit around and take it because we’re not doing well. I want everyone to understand this,” Jones continued while discussing how tough it is watching his team flounder.
Moving forward, Jones said the Cowboys are sticking with Cooper Rush as the starting quarterback over Trey Lance.
Why Cooper Rush and not Trey Lance at quarterback?
“Because Cooper has shown that he has the capability to compete and win in games, and he gives us the best chance,” Jones responded after Rush finished with a paltry 45 yards passing in his first start since franchise QB Dak Prescott went down with what has become a season-ending leg injury. “Frankly [the loss] was an out of character game for him based on what we’ve seen.”
Jones added that he wasn’t surprised that we didn’t see more of Lance in the loss to the Eagles, but don’t be shocked if head coach Mike McCarthy does use Lance in some special packages moving forward.
Are halftime adjustments overrated?
“No, not at all. Not at all,” said Jones after another miserable third quarter doomed Dallas in the eventual 34-6 loss. “I think it’s an area where we should be better. Obviously, coaches are aware that we could be playing better as soon as they get in the dressing room. Adjustments are important.”
Is Ezekiel Elliott being elevated by his past successes?
“What counts is what he did last possession, we’re not living in the past with Zeke,” Jones denied the implication. Jones went on to compliment the way that starting running back Rico Dowdle has played, but lamented the fumble from Elliott and noted that he can’t give the ball away, especially in the red zone.
What Jones is saying differs from what happened on the field. Elliott continues to get touches when Dowdle has been the better RB, and Elliott also got the first carry on the series after he fumbled. Maybe the team, and coach, have a soft spot for a player who hasn’t played well this year.
On Micah Parsons’ postgame comments?
“I’m not a good evaluator for you…” Jones said, before drawing upon perceived past experiences of having quotes blow up in the media. “Do you think I’ve ever had anything interpreted in a way that I probably said it that 99% would have interpreted it? It’s a ‘whoops’ and I didn’t mean it to sound that way. I’ve had that happen a lot.”
The owner said he knew as a fact that Parsons was not criticizing his coach when Parsons was asked about McCarthy’s future. Instead, Parsons highlighted more concern for veteran players such as Zack Martin who might not have much of their career left and are playing for a Cowboys squad in disarray. “Micah does not feel a lack of appreciation for Mike [McCarthy],” Jones added.
Are the Cowboys entertainment first, football second?
“Because we are as out-front as we are as a team, and as an organization, then you’re going to have a louder and more noise when you’re not playing well,” said Jones. “That drifts into all areas, the look at what the Cowboys are, the look of what sports is, the look at what football is.”
This is talking about the brand of the Cowboys, but Jones’ answer did not differentiate between the business aspect of the franchise, or the product on the field being more important. Fans prefer the latter, but Jones continues to give no indication that he feels the same way.
On the sun’s impact at AT&T Stadium
“I don’t believe anybody living believes [Sunday’s loss], what we need to improve on, [the sun blocking players from seeing] is way down the list,” Jones continued to oppose solutions to address the issue. “That stadium was built to feel like it’s outdoors, when you’re indoors. It was made to feel like open-air, yet while still being inside. My biggest thought when we were building it was to make it look like it was outdoors, playing in the elements.”
Jones went on to discuss metrics from AT&T Stadium and said that he believes Dallas has a “home field advantage” and he doesn’t want to change it.
When you consider that the issue cost Dallas a potential touchdown before Sunday’s game got out of hand, or that CeeDee Lamb said he would be “1,000% in favor” of addressing the issue to add his name to other Cowboys players who have complained about the sun, Jones comes off as unable to admit a major problem or that he or the design of his stadium are wrong.
Do you think the Cowboys should block the sun at AT&T Stadium? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.
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