NFL Futures: Cowboy’s Playoff Hopes Fades

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Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Fade After Dak Prescott Injury and Eagles Loss

The Dallas Cowboys face an uphill battle as quarterback Dak Prescott is placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury sustained in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.  The Cowboys suffered a tough 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with backup quarterback Cooper Rush at the helm, marking a difficult start to Prescott’s absence and a predictor of upcoming NFL Futures. 

Executive Vice President Stephen Jones announced that Prescott will be sidelined for at least four weeks, though the exact timeline remains uncertain. Prescott’s injury has shifted the NFL Odds for Dallas as the team grapples with crucial upcoming games without their franchise quarterback.

The injury came at a challenging time for Prescott, who completed 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the third quarter of Dallas’s 27-21 loss to Atlanta. After the injury, Prescott described feeling something pull in his hamstring, calling it “something I’ve never felt.” 

This setback leaves Prescott with 1,978 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on the season, with a completion rate of 64.7%. With Dallas’s record slipping to 3-6, the Cowboys will need to reassess their season objectives as they contend with a brutal schedule over the coming weeks.

Cowboys’ Season Outlook After Prescott’s Absence

Dallas’s schedule includes matchups against the Texans, Commanders, and Giants. With Prescott unavailable, the Cowboys could face a prolonged slump, especially after a decisive defeat by the Eagles. 

This recent loss has shown that the team’s current formula without Prescott may not be enough to compete at a high level, making it likely that Dallas could struggle to pull off a .500 record in the upcoming games. If the Cowboys continue to lose, the focus may shift to securing a high draft pick in April to bolster their roster and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Backup quarterback Cooper Rush will continue to fill in, supported by Trey Lance in a secondary role. However, the Cowboys will likely feel Prescott’s absence acutely, as Rush has limited experience leading the team as the primary quarterback. 

Even if Dallas manages to squeeze out a few wins, more may be needed to position them as playoff contenders, particularly given their current standing in the NFC East. Prescott’s return is uncertain, and rushing him back before full recovery would risk further injury, which could affect his long-term effectiveness.

Dak Prescott’s Recovery and the Team’s Caution

Prescott’s hamstring injury has raised significant concerns about his availability for the rest of the season, as the injury is reportedly more severe than initially expected. While he has expressed a desire to avoid surgery, Jerry Jones acknowledged Prescott’s eagerness to “go for it” but emphasized the importance of a cautious approach. 

Prescott has been active in the weight room, but the Cowboys are proceeding carefully to ensure his long-term health. Given his recent contract—the largest in NFL history as of September—the team’s focus remains on his future role as their franchise quarterback.

With Prescott as their primary investment, the Cowboys are focused on safeguarding his health, even if that means taking a step back this season. 

3-6, Dallas’s playoff hopes are dwindling, and even with Prescott’s return, the team’s struggles across the board suggest that a deep postseason run may be unrealistic. Prescott’s contract underscores his importance to the franchise, and the Cowboys must balance his short-term desire to play with their long-term commitment to his health and success.

Adjusting Expectations with Rush Under Center

The Cowboys’ performance against the Eagles highlighted their challenges without Prescott. With Rush starting, the offense could not find momentum, managing only six points against Philadelphia. 

This lack of production underscores Dallas’s difficulties adapting to Rush’s playstyle, primarily as the offense has been structured around Prescott’s strengths. Even if Dallas manages a 2-2 record in the next four games, their current record and trajectory indicate that a playoff appearance would be an uphill battle.

If the Cowboys continue to struggle without Prescott, they may consider pivoting toward future planning, aiming to secure a top draft pick in April. This approach could allow Dallas to reinforce the roster, potentially bringing in additional quarterback depth or other key players to support Prescott in upcoming seasons. 

Given the team’s performance, focusing on long-term gains may be more valuable than pushing for a playoff spot this season.