Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys' Dak Prescott planning to face Texans on Aug. 21?

Earlier in the day, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy suggested that starting quarterback Dak Prescott could make his preseason debut on Aug. 21 against the Houston Texans as the 28-year-old continues his recovery from the compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle that he suffered last October. 

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Prescott confirmed "that’s the plan" when asked about taking the field versus Houston. 

Alper added, however, that Prescott will first undergo an MRI to examine the shoulder strain he first suffered before last Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That scan will occur at some point after Friday's exhibition matchup at the Arizona Cardinals. 

Both Prescott and McCarthy may want to pump the figurative brakes, though, as Dallas executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones made it clear Wednesday he won't let his QB1 be rushed back into action. 

"I know people worry about that, but I think that’s overrated," Jones said about Prescott playing this month before Dallas begins the regular season at the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 9. "Dak Prescott knows how to play the game of football and whether he plays a series or two in Houston isn’t going to affect how he’s going to play against Tampa." 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule
LeBron James shouts out Jaylen Brown after Celtics advance to NBA Finals
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis
Bengals coach offers significant injury update on QB Joe Burrow
MLB officials expect automated ball-strike system to be implemented in 2026
Vikings reportedly considered Justin Jefferson trade during NFL Draft
A matured Kyrie Irving is finally proving to be the star we all knew he could be
Insider: Sixers 'a threat' to sign LeBron James in free agency
Week 14 NASCAR rankings: Larson's no-show shakes up the running order
Three hitters Braves should target after losing Ronald Acuna Jr.
Shohei Ohtani shares major update on his pitching rehab
Status of Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton revealed for Game 4 of ECF