Why Dak Prescott not playing in preseason is not terrible for Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only two teams in the league to play four preseason games this year. The NFL reduced the amount of games by one, but both Dallas and Pittsburgh squared off in the Hall of Fame Game, which is an additional exhibition. Through two games — the Hall […]
The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only two teams in the league to play four preseason games this year. The NFL reduced the amount of games by one, but both Dallas and Pittsburgh squared off in the Hall of Fame Game, which is an additional exhibition.
Through two games — the Hall of Fame Game and last week's game versus the Arizona Cardinals — we have yet to see quarterback Dak Prescott in action. That should not come as a shock at all — nor should it be a large concern.
For one, Prescott is currently dealing with some shoulder soreness. The injury does not appear to be alarming, but it does not mean that the Cowboys should push it in games that do not matter. Secondly, we know what Prescott can do. Him not performing in exhibition play should not be classified as a red flag.
WHY THERE IS SOME REASON FOR CONCERN
Naturally, there is some concern from Cowboys fans regarding Prescott's status. He is already returning from a season-ending ankle injury that took months of intense rehab. Another injury that has him sidelined for the time-being definitely puts you on edge.
Furthermore, one big reason why many want Prescott to play in the preseason is so that he can get his feet wet and get a taste of game action before the season opener. There is some value in that, for sure. You cannot underestimate being hit by an opponent and bouncing back up after returning from a nasty injury.
Additionally, while Prescott is an NFL veteran at this point and knows what will be thrown at him, it would not hurt for him to re-acclimate himself to the speed of the game. He's been throwing passes in his backyard and on the practice field for months now; but it is difficult to compare those things to a real, live game environment.
Playing some snaps in the preseason could be beneficial for Dak Prescott in that regard.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT WORRY IF DAK DOESN'T PLAY
On the flip side, how much will a series or two really be a difference?
If Prescott was going to play in the preseason, it would be this weekend versus the Houston Texans. That will be when the majority of the starters will be out there, and you don't want Prescott behind an offensive line filled with backups.
However, generally speaking, the starters do not play more than a quarter in the preseason anyways. Sure, it might be nice for Prescott to see an opposing defense and work through his reads in a game-setting.
But the reality is that the preseason is not played in the same kind of way as a regular season or playoff game. There is a different mentality, and it is difficult for players that know their spot on the roster is not in jeopardy to play with the same kind of effort.
Injuries happen in the preseason, too. That is another argument against playing Prescott.
Tony Romo suffered a back injury in the 2016 preseason — leading to the emergence of Prescott. Just recently, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore suffered an elbow injury in the second preseason game that could have him sidelined for an extended period.
SIGNS POINTING TO PRESCOTT NOT SUITING UP
Nonetheless, it looks like Prescott will not be suiting up for the Cowboys this weekend. The Dallas Cowboys signal caller is still limited in practice, and again, there really isn't much of a need to rush him back just yet.
Mike McCarthy told the media on Wednesday that there is a "good chance (that) he won't play (on Saturday)". That all but confirms that we won't see number 4 in action this month.
Now, we wait. Prescott's first game action since the injury in week five last year appears to be week one against the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There definitely won't be any time for easing his way back.
Featured image via Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
