Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott may require more than four weeks to recover from a right hamstring injury, as reported on Wednesday.

ESPN’s Todd Archer revealed that part of Prescott’s tendon detached from the bone, making the injury more severe than initially thought.

With Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys have named backup quarterback Cooper Rush as the starter.

Rush, who has stepped in before, most recently in 2022 when Prescott was out with a broken right thumb, went 4-1 during that stretch.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy praised Rush’s experience and temperament, noting that his calm, steady demeanor sets him apart.

“His temperament is excellent,” McCarthy said. “He’s as even-keeled as any quarterback I’ve had the chance to work with—cerebral and smart.”

Rush, 30, has been chosen over fellow backup Trey Lance, who joined the Cowboys last season.

McCarthy emphasized that Rush’s familiarity with the system allows the team to maintain continuity, without having to overhaul the offense.

“Rush gives you the flexibility to keep playing the same way,” McCarthy explained. “You don’t want to change everything because of who’s under center.”

Rush has appeared in 30 games for Dallas, throwing for 1,786 yards and nine touchdowns. He was signed by the team in 2017 after going undrafted.

Prescott’s injury occurred during the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, a 27-21 defeat that dropped the Cowboys to 3-5.

Rush will now take the reins as the Cowboys prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, hoping to keep the team competitive while Prescott recovers