Dallas Cowboys Executive Remains Optimistic Amid Dak Prescott's Absence

Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys reportedly underwent successful surgery to stabilize his thumb.

However, the Cowboys will miss the two-time Pro Bowl champion for at least six games.

Hence, the earliest to expect the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year will be either by Week 8 or Week 10, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported.

Dallas has a bye on Week 9.

This means that the 29-year-old NFL star will miss the Cowboys' upcoming home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Moreover, Prescott won't be around when Dallas visits the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles.

After that stretch, the Cowboys will head back home where they will host the Washington Commanders and Detriot Lions.

Given those details, Dallas is expected to rely on Cooper Rush as Prescott recuperates from his injury.

A six-year veteran, Rush went seven of 13 for 64 yards after Prescott exited on Sunday, September 11.

Last NFL season, Rush won his first regular-season start after going 24 of 40 for 325 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a midseason win over the Minnesota Vikings.

The 28-year-old play-caller attempted seven passes in three additional games during the back half of the 2021 season.

Dallas was reportedly weighing all options, but it appears they will pin their hopes on Rush.

No less than Stephen Jones, the vice president of the Cowboys, weighed in on this when he spoke to Audacy's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

"Obviously it's early on a Monday. Certainly, we'll be evaluating all options," Jones said. "But certainly, Cooper's stepped in and did a good job for us last year when Dak had to sit out a game. He knows the system; [third string] Will Grier knows the system. We just got to go out and execute and play well. Certainly, we didn't do it to a standard we need to do it."

As for the return of Prescott, Jones sounded equally confident, aware that the Louisiana native has been in this situation before.

The only question is when.

"I think Dak is built to last," Jones said. Those hand injuries with quarterbacks in pockets are tough ones. I don't think he's injury prone. I feel like he'll rebound from this."