Dak Prescott eyes Cowboys return against Houston

Having missed 11 games of the 2020 season after suffering an ankle injury in game 5, quarterback star Dak Prescott is preparing to return to the playing field for the Dallas Cowboys and could be sprung into action sooner than expected.

Prescott’s injury woes have not let up with the Mississippi State graduate suffering a shoulder injury in late July that has forced him to sit out much of training camp.

But with his recovery progressing well, Prescott is hopeful he will make his long-awaited return for Dallas’ third and penultimate preseason game against state rivals the Houston Texans on Saturday, 21 August.

Before that the Cowboys will face the St. Louis Cardinals in their second warm-up game this Friday after their disappointing 16-3 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame game last week.

Prescott cautious ahead of Cowboys’ season opener

Given there are no unforeseen setbacks, Prescott has said he expects to start throwing again in next Monday’s practice with an eye on facing Houston six days later.

"Uh yeah, that's the plan," Prescott said. "Obviously if everything keeps progressing the way it's been. I'm going to be optimistic about that. Obviously, keep doing the things that I need to do. Being very cautious with it though. Making sure that more importantly, I'm ready for the season opener."

Despite his eagerness to return, Prescott remains realistic, conceding that the decision will ultimately rest with the coaching and medical staff, who, of course, will be wary about rushing him back for a preseason game.

"In a sense, I'd like to play in that game," Prescott said, "but I've got to keep progressing the right way and as long as I don't have any setbacks, when we get to that crossroads, we'll obviously talk to the doctors, coaches and figure out what's best."

Prescott is set to undergo an MRI scan on his shoulder on Monday, the result of which will be the main determinant on whether he will be cleared to play against Houston.

Jones not ruling out Prescott return against Houston

As things stand, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones is not ruling out Prescott’s comeback against the Texans, but insisted that the franchise will be cautious in its decision-making regarding the quarterback’s return.

"It's not out of the question," Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore. "The question's going to become, when we get there, do we do it or not? "We've got to make good, sound solid decisions for Dak as we go here. But I wouldn't rule it out."

What does seem certain is Prescott’s availability for Dallas’ 2021 season opener against the Tampa bay Buccaneers. Having missed out on the playoffs in the last two seasons, the Cowboys will look to Prescott to help steer them towards a return to postseason action. And a visit to Tampa to play the reigning Super Bowl champions will serve as a stern first test of their resolve.