Dak Prescott Is Progressing Well From His Gruesome Injury
Dak Prescott is officially back at practice – in a way. Jon Machota reports that Dak returned on December 4th for the first time since his injury during the open portion of practice. Prescott is in high spirits and is excited to get back on the field once that time comes. He sees the return to […]
Dak Prescott is officially back at practice – in a way. Jon Machota reports that Dak returned on December 4th for the first time since his injury during the open portion of practice.
Prescott is in high spirits and is excited to get back on the field once that time comes. He sees the return to practice as a "little victory" in the process. Dak also credits his fans and teammates for being a big reason for his motivation. Currently, his recovery timeframe is 4-6 months, but he is glad to be taking steps quite literally to returning to action.
As for how others feel about Dak's progression, Ezekiel Elliott and Jerry Jones both had some comments about it. Elliott told reporters, “He’s always in great spirits, doing whatever he can to uplift his team, although that’s very limited just because of the circumstances – but Dak’s been great.” This points to the respect and love that Prescott garners from his fellow Cowboys teammates. The team is missing more than Dak's competitive spirit right now as well. The team's offensive production has taken a nose-dive since his injury.
Jerry Jones cites his hard work and determination as key factors in his rehabbing process, saying "Every day, as early as you can, you need a victory… I know a lot of people say I get up and I get my workout in, and I may get my ass kicked the entire rest of the day, but I won one right there, and that starts me off right. So finding those little victories, and, boy, it tells you the mind game that he’s having to work through to get his rehab in. He’s got all the goals and positives there are in the world. It just goes back to the guy in the mirror. That’s where you want to win – right there – with him. He’s the difference.” Jones' comments certainly instill confidence in his quarterback and shed some light on how Jones views him both as a person and player.
It should excite Cowboys fans that Prescott seems to be on track to a timely and fully effective recovery. His contract situation does loom large, though. Comments from ownership beginning last offseason have not always forecasted a long-term marriage between Dak and Dallas. That being said, it is possible that the Cowboys franchise tag Prescott once again after this season. This tag would pay the QB $37.7 million in 2021. Moreover, he will also be coming off a serious injury. His production cannot be denied, though.
A long-term is by no means out of the equation either. Although, it will take some limbo from the Cowboys front office going forward due to the salary cap. Additionally, a third franchise tag after next season would be possible but unlikely. It would cost Dallas an even larger amount, and most expect that the team and Prescott would have figured out a long-term plan by then. Not to mention, Dallas could be even more stricken by the salary cap by then due to long-term deals given to Jaylon Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper.
There is one final key factor to Dak's future with the Cowboys. The team could very well be picking in the top five of the upcoming NFL Draft. This Sunday's matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals is actually a very important one. The Bengals hold the 3rd overall pick, and Dallas holds the 4th. Penei Sewell, the highly regarded offensive tackle from Oregon, seems to be the prize for whoever picks at #3. Regardless of the outcome, the Cowboys could be in the range to take one of the top quarterback prospects. Would they pull that trigger and franchise tag and trade Dak Prescott? Only time will tell.
For now, Cowboys fans should rejoice in the fact that their beloved QB is doing really well after one of the scariest injuries to come in the 2020 NFL season. This year has been filled with uncertainty for Dallas. There is no doubting that Prescott wants to be back and better than ever in 2021.
Featured Image via USA TODAY Sports
