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Has Cowboys QB Dak Prescott lost his mobility?
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Has Cowboys QB Dak Prescott lost his mobility?

At the beginning of his career, Dak Prescott was considered a dual-threat quarterback. Now, the Dallas Cowboys star almost looks immobile.

After Prescott threw two interceptions in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, The Dallas Morning News' Tim Cowlishaw claimed the QB "can't run," which is his "biggest problem." 

"On the morning of the season opener in Cleveland, the Cowboys signed Dak to the biggest contract in NFL history, a $60M average per year price tag that will hold up for at least a few months and keep him in the top five most likely for years to come," wrote Cowlishaw. "But even if [owner] Jerry Jones paid him to be Dak The Immortal, Prescott has given the Cowboys Dak The Immobile."

Through his first seven starts, Prescott is averaging career lows in rushing attempts per game (1.4) and rushing yards per game (3.4). Additionally, he has been sacked 18 times, tied for the 10th most in the league.

It's unclear whether Prescott, 31, has lost some of his mobility or Dallas has convinced him not to run.

Per ESPN's Todd Archer, Jones said, "I think it's both" when asked whether Prescott doesn't want to run or can't Tuesday on KRLD-FM in Dallas. Jones then backtracked, saying Prescott can still run, but he wants him to avoid potential injuries.

In October 2020, Prescott suffered a season-ending right ankle fracture against the New York Giants. The Cowboys finished the season 6-10. 

This offseason, Prescott was spotted wearing a walking boot on his right foot while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. However, he signaled that it was just a precaution. 

Regardless, the Cowboys should encourage Prescott to use his wheels more.

Prescott could add some punch to Dallas' lackluster ground attack. Against the Niners, San Francisco QB Brock Purdy had the same amount of rushing yards (56) as the Cowboys.

More importantly, scrambling could improve Prescott's play. 

In 17 regular-season games last season, he rushed for 242 yards, his highest figure since 2019, and recorded 36 TD passes and nine interceptions. This season, he has 10 TD passes and eight picks. 

Prescott shouldn't emulate Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, but he should use his legs here and there. That may give Dallas an offensive boost after a 3-4 start.   

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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