Cowboys QB Dak Prescott downplays right ankle injury

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott missed Friday's practice with soreness in his right ankle. However, he insists the injury shouldn't ring alarm bells.

"One thousand percent," Prescott said Sunday when asked if he would return to Tuesday's practice, via ESPN's Todd Archer.

In October 2020, Prescott suffered a gruesome compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. Earlier this offseason, he was spotted wearing a walking boot on his right foot, sparking concerns. Prescott told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News he was dealing with a minor "foot sprain."

According to Jason Owens of Yahoo Sports, Prescott isn't slated to play in the preseason, whether he's healthy or not. Sitting him in the preseason seems like a wise choice, as the Cowboys don't want to put him at risk.

If Prescott missed some time, Dallas would probably turn to backup QB Cooper Rush. In 2022, Rush went 4-1 in five starts when Prescott was sidelined with a right thumb injury.

QB Trey Lance struggled in the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. In a 13-12 loss , the former first-round pick completed 25-of-41 passes for 188 yards and posted a below-average 72 passer rating.

Still, the Cowboys need Prescott to stay healthy. Last season, he led the league in passing TDs (36 in 17 games), finished second in MVP voting and earned a second-team All-Pro nod.

More importantly, Prescott is entering the final year of a four-year deal worth $160M . Several signs point toward Prescott not signing an extension before the regular season. Another sensational year could help the 31-year-old QB earn a lucrative paycheck in 2025.