Is it possible Dak Prescott won't be 'fully back' from injuries all season long?
It hasn't been the most encouraging training camp for Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. He's back on the field after the horrific ankle fracture he suffered last season, but he's been dealing with a newer ailment: a shoulder strain. He's dealt with that for most of training camp, largely keeping him out of action, while the Cowboys continually tell the media that it's no big deal and we shouldn't read anything into the multiple MRIs and the ever-extending timeline for Prescott's return to normalcy.
That's why a comment from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday has spiked some fear about Prescott's return. During halftime of the preseason game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, Schefter said this about Prescott, via ProFootballTalk:
“He’s not fully back, he may not be back all season long.”
Schefter doesn't mean that Prescott won't be playing; he's talking about whether or not he'll be 100 percent healthy this season. And given the injuries Prescott has endured over the last calendar year, it's not an outlandish comment to make.
The compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle that ended his 2020 season in October was a major, injury. Plus, the shoulder strain he's been dealing with all training camp will prevent him from playing in any preseason games. Schefter mentioned both of those when talking about whether Prescott would be "fully back," and given the severity of the first and the persistence of the second, it's entirely possible.
Cowboys, Dak say he'll be 100 percent
It's definitely possible that Prescott might not be 100 percent all season long, but according to Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys don't believe that will be the case. In fact, he's reportedly ready to get into games right now.
#Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (shoulder) has had “absolutely no setbacks” in his rehab and remains on track to start the Sept. 9 opener against the #Bucs, per source. Prescott could’ve played tonight vs. Houston, but no point risking anything in preseason. He will throw pregame again.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 21, 2021
Prescott is also more than sure about what his own health will be at the start of the season and throughout.
Dallas has been extremely cautious to avoid setbacks, and doctors feel good about Dak’s progress. Plan is to ramp up his practice workload again next week, then cut him loose the week of the opener. Dak told me recently “there’s no doubt” he’ll be 100% in Week 1 and all season.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 21, 2021
It seems like the Cowboys really didn't like Schefter saying that Prescott could struggle with injuries all season, despite it being an entirely reasonable thing to say. But until the season starts in several weeks and Prescott actually gets some game action, the debate will rage on.
More from Yahoo Sports:
