The Dallas Cowboys kick off the 2021 regular season on opening night, Sept. 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team is exactly three weeks out from the beginning of a new year, but still aren’t 100 percent sure that starting quarterback Dak Prescott will be out on the field when they do.
The 28-year old’s recovery has been positive by the organization’s leadership, which should bode well for his return in time to the season opener. Prescott has repeated that sentiment during his recovery from minor shoulder strains and again this week.
Gil Brandt, a legendary Cowboys scout, was present for Wednesday’s team practice and was able to meet Prescott. The Pro Football Hall of Famer said that Dallas’s starting quarterback expected to be under center for opening night.
“Had a lengthy talk with Dak Prescott yesterday in Frisco. He anticipates being out there when the Cowboys begin the season. It would be difficult to keep him away from playing, but I don’t think he will be at 100%. Season tilts on his health,” Brandt wrote on Twitter Thursday.
Had a long talk with Dak Prescott yesterday out in Frisco. He expects to be out there when the Cowboys open the season. I think it would take a lot to keep him from playing, just not sure he'll be at 100%. Season tilts on his health.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) August 19, 2021
Brandt’s assessment further supports Prescott’s readiness to play when the Cowboys 2021 football season starts. His brief observation that Prescott might not be 100% healthy is a cause for concern.
Prescott’s performance is a major reason why the Cowboys are so careful with him this offseason. Dallas finished 6-10 last season after he was diagnosed with a dislocated ankle and a compound fracture.
Prescott will no doubt be eager to return to full-time football after being absent so much last year. The Cowboys need to ensure Prescott is not at greater risk of a serious shoulder injury and send him back.