After four consecutive wins, the Dallas Cowboys lost a game with Cooper Rush at quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. On cue, the rumblings of Dak Prescott's began immediately, especially with him making his way back to the practice field last week for some light work.

The Cowboys have done what they were supposed to do with Prescott, allow him to get the proper time to heal. However, once the smoke cleared on the Cowboys' first loss since Week 1, Prescott made it clear that this Sunday is when he expects to be back in action.

“Yeah, for sure. That’s my plan," said Prescott.

As far as plans go, it's the same for the Cowboys when it comes to Prescott. He will need to go through an entire week of practice and show that he can grip the ball properly and deliver it with the spin he's accustomed to.

Prescott had surgery to repair his thumb on September 12 and was looking at a four to six-week recovery time. He was listed as limited in practice last Thursday and was questionable for Sunday's game. Instead, the Cowboys did the smart thing and gave Prescott another week.

The former Offensive Rookie of the Year spoke about a possible return after five games and why things went differently.

"Something was healing. I had plans, bone obviously didn't have the same plan … but that was just me being eager," Prescott said. "That was nothing different than doc's plans, trainer's plans. Plan now is to go next week. Let's see if I can."

Rush did exactly what the Cowboys needed him to do in Prescott's absence, and more. Not only did he keep them afloat, but he went 4-1, and has kept the Cowboys in the thick of the NFC East race. However, his effectiveness as a quarterback shouldn't be exaggerated.

With Rush as the quarterback, the Cowboys only averaged 21.4 points per game. What helped Rush immensely was the Cowboys' defense which only gave up 15.8 points over that span which allowed him to be more of a game manager.

Adding Prescott back to the mix, although he will need to knock off some Rust, opens up the playbook. His arm is much stronger and more accurate so the Cowboys can take more shots downfield. If the Cowboys running game continues to thrive like it has the last few weeks, Prescott can use the play-action passing game to his advantage, which he has shown he can excel in.

Prescott provides another element that Rush can't, his ability to use his feet. It's not something that Prescott does that often, but he's more than capable of using his legs to keep the chains moving, unlike Rush who is strictly a pocket passer.

It's been some time since he's played, but when he does, Prescott will immediately make the Cowboys' offense a viable threat once again.

Feature image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports