Injured shoulder keeps Prescott out of practice
Elliott, however, predicts his quarterback will play
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was limited in practice Wednesday because of an injured right shoulder, according to coach Jason Garrett.
It is the first time in his career that Prescott has been limited in practice. The injury prevents him from throwing the ball, Garrett said.
Backup Cooper Rush took the reps with the first team, as the Cowboys (7-7) began preparations for Sunday’s showdown for the NFC East title at the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7).
“They did an MRI, and everything seemed to be OK, but he banged it up, and it’s hard for him to function right now,” Garrett said in a press conference before practice Wednesday. “So I wouldn’t anticipate him throwing much in practice today.”
Garrett said the Cowboys are certainly hopeful Prescott can go Sunday against the Eagles but there are no guarantees. Prescott can’t throw on the sore shoulder. And he didn’t even loosen up with the team during practice because of limitations with the shoulder.
“He’s as tough as they come,” Garrett said. “His physical toughness and mental toughness are on par with anybody I’ve been around. That’s just what he’s all about. He handles success. He handles adversity. He handles issues as well as anyone.”
Running back Ezekiel Elliott was the first to give exact nature of Prescott’s injury, an injured AC joint, and he is not counting out his quarterback.
“Dak’s going to play,” Elliott said. “I think he’s just resting up by making sure that thing is right as it can be by game time. I’ve dealt with some AC joints, and they’re tough. I couldn’t imagine having to throw with it. But I know Dak. I know his toughness. I know he’ll play.”
Said guard Zack Martin: “Knowing Dak, you’d have to kill him to keep him off the field.”
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson said there is no doubt in his mind that Prescott is playing Sunday. He said news of the injury will not change their preparations.
Garrett said Prescott was injured on a 7-yard run on the Cowboys’ second series of the 44-21 victory against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday on a tackle by Clay Matthews.
Prescott never missed a play. He led the team on 15-play, 90-yard touchdown drive on the same series that was capped by a 19-yard scoring toss to tight end Jason Witten.
“He was able to function and play, and he played well in the game,” Garrett said.
The shoulder is just the latest injury for Prescott, who is also dealing with a sprained left wrist and injury to his right index finger that may or may not be a hairline fracture. He played against the Rams with both.
Left tackle Tyron Smith also missed practice Wednesday, due to a sty-like infection on his eye.
Garrett said Smith developed it this week, and it’s not football-related.
“I don’t know what happened, but his right eye is closed for some reason. So he may or may not be able to practice fully today,” Garrett said.