Despite Dak Prescott’s impressive return, Cowboys lose

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Dak is back, and he's still not enough for the Dallas Cowboys.

Playing his first game since suffering a gruesome ankle injury 11 months ago and then signing a $160 million contract, Dak Prescott was outstanding against a defense that shut down Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl and returned every starter.

Prescott completed 42 of 58 passes for 403 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. But the Cowboys couldn't stop Tom Brady on the final drive and Ryan Succop's 36yard field goal gave the defending champion Buccaneers a 31-29 victory Thursday night to open the NFL season.

Dallas forced four turnovers but Greg Zuerlein missed a 31yard field goal and an extra point. He hit a go-ahead 48yarder with under two minutes left, then the Cowboys' shaky defense couldn't stop Brady from engineering the winning drive.

"We'll see y'all again," Prescott said to Brady after they shook hands following the game.

Prescott didn't play in the preseason after dealing with a shoulder problem in training camp, but showed no ill effects of his injuries right from the start.

Backed up on his 2-yard line for his first play in 333 days, Prescott dropped back and lofted a beautiful 28-yard pass to a wide-open Amari Cooper. He picked apart Tampa's secondary after cornerback Sean MurphyBunting left early with an elbow injury.

Prescott tossed a perfect 22yard TD pass to CeeDee Lamb in the first quarter. He connected twice with Amari Cooper for scores of 5 yards and 21 yards.