The Dallas Cowboys did not place Prescott on injured reserve Saturday for the partial hamstring avulsion, meaning the earliest he could now return would be Dec. 15 against the Carolina Panthers, if the team makes the movement next week.
Prescott and the Cowboys continue to seek opinions on the best way to treat the injury, whether with rest and rehab or surgery. Multiple sources said Prescott will need six to eight weeks to recover without surgery. As of Friday, it had not been determined whether he would need surgery, which would end his regular season.
The Cowboys did not need Prescott’s spot on the 53-man roster for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia. Instead, he will be among the team’s inactive players.
Cooper Rush will start at quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles, with Trey Lance as the backup. Coach Mike McCarthy said the team is considering adding a quarterback to the roster, either on the active roster or the practice squad, with Prescott out.
If Prescott does not return this season, it would be the second time in his career that he has finished a year on injured reserve. In 2020, he suffered a dislocation and compound fracture of his right ankle in Week 5.
The Cowboys also elevated cornerback Josh Butler and wide receiver Jalen Cropper from the practice squad. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, who did not practice Friday due to illness, was able to get a job Saturday.
