Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott missed practice on Friday due to ongoing ankle issues .
As he heads into the final year of his current contract, the Cowboys have listed Prescott's absence as preventive rather than a serious concern, but the injury sparked a conversation about his future with the team. Prescott was missing from Friday's practice following a collective practice session with the Los Angeles Rams the previous day.
The Cowboys have been careful to downplay the severity of Prescott's ankle soreness, emphasizing that the decision to rest him was precautionary. This isn't the first time Prescott's ankle has raised red flags during this offseason. In July, he was spotted wearing a surgical boot while vacationing with his partner, Sarah Jane Ramos, at a marina in Los Cabos.
READ MORE: Brandon Aiyuk makes public statement after San Francisco 49ers 're-open contract talks'
READ MORE: Dak Prescott pictured wearing protective boot in hugely worrying Dallas Cowboys update
The image of Prescott in the boot quickly circulated online, leading to widespread speculation about his health. Prescott later addressed the situation, stating that the boot was a precautionary measure due to a previous issue with his ankle swelling after deep-sea fishing. "The same ankle, same issues. The last time I went deep-sea fishing, my [ankle] swole up," Prescott explained. "I'm great."
Prescott's ankle issues date back to at third quarter of a 2020 game against the New York Giants . During a no-huddle shotgun play, Prescott was tackled by Logan Ryan while rushing through the Giants defense. Despite the setback, the Cowboys secured a 34-27 victory.
Since then, Prescott has been cautious, often wearing a protective boot during the offseason for maintenance purposes. He said the routine became a standard part of his post-2020 recovery, evident in his high-level performance last season.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Prescott threw for 4,516 yards, completed 69.5 percent of his passes, and led the NFL with 36 touchdowns while keeping his interceptions to just nine in 2023. In addition to his injury concerns, Prescott's future with the Cowboys remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his current deal.
In 2021, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $160 million, with $126 million guaranteed. If Dallas and Prescott cannot agree on a new deal before the end of the 2024 season, Prescott will become an unrestricted free agent.
Having already been franchise-tagged twice by the team, the Cowboys must make a final decision whether to commit to their franchise quarterback for the long term or risk losing him in free agency. Prescott may now also need to prove that his ankle issues are behind him and that he can continue to perform at an elite level.
Most Popular
Comments / 0