Insider disputes Jerry Jones' optimistic take on Prescott's return

Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) walks the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NFL insider disputes Jerry Jones' optimistic take on QB Dak Prescott's return

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/21/22

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said quarterback Dak Prescott, recovering from a right thumb fracture, will only miss one more game and return in Week 4 against the Commanders. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, however, believes Prescott won't return until Week 6 at the earliest.

“That did not seem feasible to me,” Rapoport said Wednesday about Jones' take. “The timeline basically goes like this: It’ll be seven to 10 days just to heal the wound. Then another 10 days to two weeks to reduce the swelling. Then another two to three weeks to make sure he can grip an NFL football.”

From @GMFB: A look at Jerry Jones' comments on #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, what's next for #Jets QB Zach Wilson, and awaiting the ruling on #Bucs WR Mike Evans. pic.twitter.com/tPgCZvCMvk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2022

Although Jones believes Prescott will return soon, he admitted the QB's grip on his passing hand could be an issue whenever he comes back.

“[I]t’s a big question,” Jones said Tuesday on KRLD-FM.

According to USA Football, the passing thumb is the digit that is the biggest key in gripping a football. If you can’t grip the ball properly, it can lead to problems, such as the ball slipping.

Perhaps Jones' optimistic assessment is because Dallas' upcoming schedule could be difficult. On "Monday Night Football" in Week 3, the Cowboys play at the Giants, followed by a game at home against the Commanders and away games at the Rams and Eagles.

Rapoport said Prescott has a small chance to play in Week 6, but the essential timeline “does not lead to two weeks.”

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