**ATLANTA** — Dak Prescott has often faced tough luck in North Georgia, and his latest setback at Mercedes-Benz Stadium only adds to that narrative. After making a valiant effort to lead the Dallas Cowboys to victory over the Falcons, the All-Pro quarterback suffered an injury late in the third quarter while throwing a pass, seemingly grimacing without any defender making contact.
Prescott was evaluated in the medical tent, initially appearing to have a potential issue with his throwing hand. However, he was ultimately ruled out due to a hamstring injury that kept him from returning to the game. Cooper Rush stepped in to lead the Cowboys for the fourth quarter’s opening drive.
“I’ve gotta get it looked at,” Prescott said regarding his condition, recounting the incident. “I felt something on the third play during a scramble to the left. I didn’t think much of it, but then on the next play, while throwing a stop route, I felt a pull. It was something I hadn’t experienced before. I tried to walk it off and consulted the medical team about possibly making it worse by continuing.”
He added, “They said I wouldn’t be able to protect myself, so they made the decision to take me out.”
With Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys could not secure the win in Atlanta. “Very difficult,” he remarked about not finishing a crucial game. “I know how much we needed this one. I wanted to compete and fight. It’s frustrating.”
Prescott clarified that he doesn’t believe the scramble directly caused the hamstring issue. “I felt something when I was getting up after the run, but I didn’t think it was serious. It was a physical game, and you often feel various things that fade away. When I went to throw that pass to Jalen Brooks, I experienced something I’d never felt before.”
Last season, Prescott missed several games due to a broken thumb, marking the most time he’d been sidelined since a severe ankle injury in 2020. He participated in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, earning his first All-Pro selection and finishing as the runner-up for NFL MVP, behind only Lamar Jackson.
It’s uncertain how long he might be out this season, but any absence would be a major setback for a Cowboys offense already in need of support. This concern intensifies after CeeDee Lamb, the standout All-Pro wide receiver, also left the game with a shoulder injury, putting his future availability in doubt.
“It’ll take a lot for me to not be out there,” Prescott stated, as the Cowboys now await positive updates on both players this week.
