How Does the Dak Prescott Injury Change Dallas Cowboys' Odds?
Article By
Last Updated: 
After just one week, the outlook for the Dallas Cowboys season has dramatically changed.
Following the team’s 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, owner Jerry Jones told reporters quarterback Dak Prescott will miss time after needing surgery on a joint above the thumb on his throwing hand. ESPN is reporting Prescott will be out 6-8 weeks.
Prescott suffered a clean break on his hand when twice during the same drive in the fourth quarter his hand struck a defensive lineman on his follow-through. He came off the field and was attended to by the athletic trainers as backup Cooper Rush took over at quarterback.
"It's very disappointing, but injuries happen,” Prescott said. “Can't necessarily control it, just unfortunate. Obviously going to miss some time, not be there for my team and that's what hurts more than anything, especially after the start we just put out there. Wanted to be able to respond, and not necessarily having that opportunity for several weeks.
“Yeah, it's unfortunate. But I'll do what I've always done anytime adversity comes, take it on head-first and give my best and I'm sure I'll come out of this thing better."
Even with Prescott Dallas struggled to generate anything on offense against Tampa Bay. After a field goal ended a 14-play, 54-yard drive to open the game, Dallas had three three-and-outs, two turnovers on downs, an interception and didn’t have a drive go more than 44 yards.
Prescott completed 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards and threw an interception. It was the first time Dallas failed to score a touchdown in its season opener since 2001.
This will mark the second time in three seasons Prescott will miss extended time due to an injury. In 2020, he sat out of 11 games after suffering a compound fracture and dislocation to his right ankle.
“It's just another bump in the road and I'll keep moving forward,” Prescott said. “As I said I'll do everything that I can that I can control to get myself back to get myself better and help this team.”
Cooper Rush Now Dallas' Quarterback
Prescott also missed a game last season because of a calf strain, allowing Rush to make the lone start of his career against the Minnesota Vikings. Rush led the Cowboys to a 20-16 win, throwing for 325 yards and two touchdown passes. In relief on Sunday, he completed 7 of 13 passes for 64 yards.
Will Grier is currently the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart and on the practice squad.
Cowboys Odds Shift
The Cowboys saw the biggest line movement on their NFL betting odds out of any other team after Week 1.
Dallas was +2000 on FanDuel Sportsbook before the season but is now +4500 to win it all.
FanDuel also has the Cowboys at +2600 to win the NFC and is now the biggest longshot to win the NFC East at +500.
Be first to get our exclusive offers!
Join today to stay up to date on your states gambling news and offers.
Updated by
Last Updated:
