Cowboys QB acknowledges mental strain of offseason
Dak Prescott says he already was feeling the emotional burden of the pandemic when the Dallas quarterback received word one of his brothers had died by suicide in the spring.
Prescott acknowledged the cause of Jace Prescott’s death for the first time in a recent TV interview set to air this weekend. On Thursday, Prescott told reporters he sought help from family, coaches and teammates past and present and sports psychologist Chad Bohling of the New York Yankees. Bohling has been an adviser to the Cowboys.
“When you have thoughts that you’ve never had, I think that’s more so than anything a chance to realize it and recognize it, to be vulnerable about it,” Prescott said. “Was able to have those conversations and then reach out further just to more people. Being open about it and not holding those feelings in was one of the better things for me.”
The Prescott brothers endured the death of their mother, Peggy, who died of colon cancer when Dak was a Mississippi State sophomore in 2013.
Dak Prescott, the youngest, said he knew Jace Prescott bore the greatest burden as their mom’s primary caregiver while she battled cancer. Jace Prescott died at 31 in April.
Prescott said he hopes he can help others by acknowledging a difficult offseason mentally. He also had an unsettled situation with his contract and didn’t get a long-sought multiyear deal that will be worth more than $100 million if it gets completed. The two-time Pro Bowler is playing this season on the $31 million franchise tag.
■ Jets: Wide receiver Josh Bellamy, released Tuesday, was arrested and charged Thursday with participating in a scheme to file fraudulent applications for more than $24 million in coronavirus relief funds, authorities said. Bellamy, 31, is charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, according to court records.
Also, rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims (hamstrings), who was sidelined for most of training camp, was downgraded to “limited” at practice.
■ Broncos: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was diagnosed with a right AC joint sprain after falling on his shoulder at Thursday’s practice and is questionable for Denver’s opener Monday.
■ 49ers: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) returned to practice in a limited capacity, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) remained sidelined.
■ Eagles: Rookie wide receiver Jalen Reagor (shoulder) was a full participant in practice, and running back Miles Sanders (hamstring) remained limited.
■ Bengals: Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green logged his first full practice since 2018 and said he is “100 percent” healthy.
■ Bears: Running back David Montgomery (groin) was upgraded to “full” in Thursday’s practice and is on track to play Sunday.
■ Rams: Running back Darrell Henderson (hamstring) is practicing in full and expected to be available Sunday.
■ Bills: Cornerback Josh Norman (hamstring) was held out of practice for a second straight day.
Steelers: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (foot) was held out of practice.