Dak Prescott, #4 of the Dallas Cowboys, watched during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In Week 9, the Cowboys suffered a major setback when quarterback Dak Prescott sustained a right hamstring injury during their game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The injury is more concerning than initially anticipated, with the 31-year-old quarterback potentially facing a prolonged absence that could extend beyond several weeks.

Originally, Prescott’s recovery was estimated at four weeks, but recent updates suggest a longer timeline.

NFL Insider Slater disclosed that Prescott has a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, where the tendon tissue is partially detached from the bone.

This diagnosis has led the Cowboys to carefully assess whether they should place their franchise QB on injured reserve.

“I’ve been told recovery typically exceeds four weeks. Sometimes they let it scar over, then repair and strengthen,” Slater reported.

As the #Cowboys consider Prescott’s IR status, sources indicate that his initial diagnosis is a partial hamstring tendon avulsion, partially torn from the bone. Recovery often requires more than four weeks, with some opting to let it scar, then repair…

The Cowboys are exercising caution, with Prescott seeking additional medical opinions before making any decisions regarding his IR status, which would sideline him for at least three games.

The injury comes at a pivotal moment for Dallas (3-5), who now turn to veteran backup Cooper Rush as they prepare to face the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles (6-2).

Rush, who previously stepped in for Prescott in 2022, impressed with a 4-1 record as a starter that season.

Over his NFL career, Rush has demonstrated his abilities under center, completing 165 of 275 passes for 1,786 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Waiting as the secondary backup is Trey Lance, who joined Dallas before this season in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick.