Dak Prescott won't throw for at least a few days due to shoulder strain

Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback Dak Prescott encountered his first significant setback of the preseason, but it isn't related to the compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle that prematurely ended his 2020 campaign last October. 

Per Nick Eatman of the Cowboys website, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Thursday that Prescott won't throw for at least two to three days while recovering from the shoulder strain that was diagnosed Wednesday after the 28-year-old was held out of multiple drills and then removed from practice early. 

"Obviously we're going to err on the side of caution every step of the way," Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones explained. 

Prescott said last week he wants to participate in some preseason games, and Jones seemed optimistic that could happen despite this latest issue.

"Obviously we have to see this thing play out," Jones stated. "But the plan is still - if this goes like we think it's going to go with the shoulder - for him to play." 

The Hall of Fame Game between the Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers is exactly one week from Thursday, and it always seemed unlikely Prescott would play so early in his recovery even before Wednesday's development. His availability for the Aug. 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals is understandably up in the air.