Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will not play vs. Vikings, praises Cooper Rush pregame
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went through his pre-game workout before Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
He walked off the field, saying “I’m fine. I’m blessed,” as he headed to the Cowboys locker room with full knowledge that he would not play against the Vikings due to a right calf strain.
Owner Jerry Jones made it official when he confirmed Prescott would indeed be made inactive for the game, setting the stage for Cooper Rush to make his first career start.
Jones said he has a lot confidence in rush. And it was bolstered even more by Prescott in the pre-game locker room.
“Dak Prescott was so great with the team regarding Cooper because they had has so much time together,” Jones said. “He has so much confidence in him.”
Prescott strained his right calf on the final play of the 35-29 overtime victory over the New England Patriots on Oct. 17.
The Cowboys, who had a bye last week, listed Prescott as limited in practice all week and questionable for the game.
Rush has appeared in only six regular-season games, while taking 58 snaps and throwing three passes.
The last game Cooper Rush started and finished was in his last year at Central Michigan in the Miami Beach Bowl against Tulsa on Dec. 19, 2016 . He completed 24-of-49 passes for 241 yards but he was intercepted three times and did not have a TD pass.
Jones said he is excited to see what Rush can do against the Vikings.
“I think it’s really good,” Jones said. “It lets us get a good look at at our team in regards to our backup quarterback. We think we have a good one.”
Prescott did not miss a start in his career through the first four years of his career and he suffered a fractured ankle in Week 5 of last season, sidelining him for the final 11 games.
He started the first five games this season, leading the Cowboys to a 5-1 record, including five straight wins before sitting out Sunday night.
The Cowboys made the decision to make Prescott inactive against the Vikings with the big picture in mind.
They don’t want the calf injury to linger and become a week-to-week issue.
Their strong start to the season and their comfortable lead in the NFC East allowed the opportunity to be cautious with Prescott.
This story was originally published October 31, 2021 at 6:25 PM.
