Dak Prescott 'expects' to play Week 1 vs. Bucs

Dak Prescott is unlikely to play in the preseason, but he should be good to go for Week 1. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys' Dak Prescott 'expects' to play Week 1 vs. Buccaneers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/19/21

Shortly after Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Wednesday that there was a "good chance" starting quarterback Dak Prescott "probably won't play" in Saturday's preseason game against the Houston Texans because of the right latissimus strain he first suffered in late July, some understandably wondered if Prescott will be good to go when Dallas opens the regular season at the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 9.

Prescott has since tried to put such concerns to bed:

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

Prescott told reporters in July he wanted to face opposing defenses this month to reacclimate himself to live in-game action after his 2020 season prematurely ended last October when he suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. The 28-year-old has remained unavailable because of his latest setback, though, and McCarthy has already ruled Prescott out for the Aug. 29 preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

As of Thursday, Garrett Gilbert would start over Ben DiNucci at quarterback for Dallas in Tampa Bay if Prescott can't play on the second Thursday of September.

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