Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback, is facing a serious injury that could significantly impact his team’s season. On Sunday, during a routine play in the third quarter, Prescott suffered what initially looked like a minor issue but quickly turned into a major concern. After a non-contact injury, the Cowboys’ quarterback was seen grimacing in pain, and it was soon revealed that he had torn his hamstring—off the bone. This is a devastating blow for both Prescott and the Cowboys, as the injury could sideline him for weeks, and in the worst-case scenario, it could end his season.

The Injury: More Serious Than Expected

Prescott’s injury didn’t come from a hit or a fall, but rather from a simple throw. There was no contact, and his body had already been warmed up. That’s what made his immediate reaction so telling: Prescott clearly knew something was wrong. Initially, some speculated it could have been a groin or hip flexor injury because of the torque on his body, but the diagnosis confirmed that Prescott had a partially torn hamstring, and it was severe enough that it could keep him out for a significant amount of time.

The injury is not only painful but potentially long-lasting. Torn hamstrings are tricky; even a partial tear can take weeks to fully recover from, and if not managed properly, it can linger and lead to re-injury. The Cowboys’ medical staff has said that Prescott could be sidelined for at least four weeks, but given the nature of the injury, some worry it could be longer—and in the worst-case scenario, it could even end his season if the tear doesn’t heal properly.

Could Dak Be Out for the Season?

The fear now is that this hamstring injury could be a season-ending issue for Prescott. Although the Cowboys’ medical team has initially said four weeks, the recovery process for such a severe tear is unpredictable. If Prescott doesn’t respond well to rehab, or if the muscle doesn’t heal completely, the team could be forced to shut him down for the remainder of the year.

Prescott is a key player for Dallas, and the team’s playoff hopes are closely tied to his health. Without him under center, the Cowboys will have to rely on backups like Cooper Rush, who stepped in admirably last season when Prescott went down with an ankle injury. However, even though Rush is a competent backup, he’s not the same caliber of player as Prescott, and it would be a tall order for him to lead Dallas deep into the postseason.

How This Affects the Cowboys

For Dallas, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Cowboys had been performing well, and Prescott had shown signs of being back to his old self after recovering from the broken ankle that cost him most of last season. Now, the team faces a tough road ahead, and they’ll need to find a way to keep their playoff hopes alive without their star quarterback.

If Prescott is out for a prolonged period, the Cowboys’ offense will be under even more pressure to perform. The defense, led by players like Micah Parsons, has been outstanding this season, but without Prescott to lead the charge on offense, the team could struggle to keep up in the NFC, which is loaded with strong contenders.

The Curse of the Cowboys?

Could this injury be a sign of something deeper—a curse? Dallas fans have been dealing with heartbreaking seasons for decades, always full of high expectations but rarely delivering in the playoffs. Is Dak’s injury another chapter in the long-running saga of Cowboys misfortune? It’s too early to say, but the injury certainly brings back memories of previous seasons when Dallas’ Super Bowl aspirations were dashed by injury, bad luck, or poor decision-making.

Cowboys fans know the drill all too well: the team seems to always be on the cusp of greatness, but something inevitably goes wrong. Dak’s injury is the latest example, and it has people wondering whether the Cowboys can break free from their cycle of disappointment.

What’s Next for the Cowboys?

So, where do the Cowboys go from here? With Dak Prescott’s future uncertain, the team must turn its attention to their backup quarterbacks. Cooper Rush, who filled in admirably last season when Prescott was injured, could be the answer. He was 5-1 as a starter last year, but it’s unclear whether he can sustain that level of play for an extended period. Trey Lance, the former 49ers quarterback who was traded to the Cowboys, is another option, but he hasn’t seen much playing time since being drafted in 2021.

Dallas will also have to make adjustments across the rest of the roster. While the defense has been strong, the offense could struggle without Prescott’s leadership and playmaking ability. If the Cowboys are going to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need strong performances from their offensive line, running game, and backup quarterbacks. The team may also need to lean heavily on their defense, which has been one of the best in the league so far.

Conclusion

Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury is a massive blow to both him and the Dallas Cowboys. The severity of the tear means that he could miss significant time, and if the recovery doesn’t go as planned, it could even spell the end of his season. For the Cowboys, this is a tough road ahead, with a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position. Can Cooper Rush step up again? Will Trey Lance be able to make an impact? The team will have to answer these questions quickly as they try to salvage their season.

For Cowboys fans, this is yet another twist in what feels like an endless cycle of disappointment. With so much talent on both sides of the ball, it’s hard not to wonder if they’re cursed, or if it’s just another year of bad luck. As always, the Cowboys’ journey will be one to watch—whether it’s for triumph or heartbreak.