Heading into a huge NFC East clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys will try to figure out whether Dak Prescott is able to play or not. Since his thumb injury in Week 1, the Cowboys have reportedly expected the quarterback to return around this time of the year.

In fact, Prescott wasn't even placed on Injured Reserve in hopes of getting him back (at least to practice) before four weeks passed. But the Cowboys' starting quarterback missed practice last week, which led to Cooper Rush starting – and winning – yet another game for Dallas.

Now, it's time for the Cowboys to witness Dak's return to the practice field. According to Jerry Jones' appearance on 105.3 The Fan, it will all boil down to whether or not Prescott can "spin the ball."

Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jerry Jones reiterated Dak Prescott’s return will come down to “can he spin the ball?” coming off the fractured thumb. Medically, the injury is improving, but Wednesday will begin that process to see if he can “spin the ball.”

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 11, 2022

Cowboys fans should be cautious with their "hope" management, though. On Sunday, Ian Rapoport from NFL Network indicated that Dak is a "longshot" to play against the Eagles. Betting markets agree as well, as you can see from the available betting spreads that have Dallas as a 5.5-point underdog.

Add to that Mike McCarthy said last week that he'd like to see a full week of practice from Dak Prescott before lining him up again and it just doesn't sound like it's happening. All of this brings me to my next point:

Cowboys fans are focusing on the wrong guy!

The injury I'd argue fans need to monitor even more closely is on the rival's roster. Eagles' starting left tackle Jordan Mailata is dealing with a shoulder injury that kept him out of the game in Week 5. The Australian player is one of the best players on the Eagles offensive line, which is the best in the NFL when healthy.

Mailata has been dealing with the injury since Philly's Week 4 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a game that the Cowboys ' defense needs to win, Mailata's status is of the utmost importance.

After all, this team's strength lies in their ability to rush the passer. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence lead one of the most dangerous units in the league. And they're able to smell blood in the water when they find the opponent's weak link.

Last Sunday, that was the Eagles' Jake Driscoll. The backup left tackle surrendered six pressures against the Arizona Cardinals while no other starter surrendered more than one, per PFF. Backup left guard Iosua Opeta (he took over Landon Dickerson, another player to monitor) allowed two.

At left tackle, the Eagles are also aiming for Andre Dillard's return. He's supposed to be their real backup but he's been out with an injury of his own and is aiming to return either this week or next after having his 21-day practice window opened last Wednesday.

Whoever plays at left tackle for the Eagles could be a game-changing aspect of this game come Sunday.

Featured image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports