Cowboys' Dak Prescott sends defiant message to fans who want him to sit out rest of season

The 6-7-1 Dallas Cowboys could be eliminated from postseason contention before their home game versus the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) kicks off this coming Sunday afternoon. 

Even if that's the case, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made it known on Thursday that he "absolutely" wants to start Dallas' final three games of the season. 

Dak Prescott wants to do his job regardless of the standings

"This is my job," Prescott directly said, per Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' website. "This is what I love to do. Sitting out last year and the times before, you don't take getting to play this game for granted. You play every game to win, you play every game to get a chance to go to the playoffs or play in the Super Bowl, and, unfortunately, that's not always the case. If that's not the case when we take the field or whatever it may be, I'm thankful for the opportunity to play this game, and I'm not going to ever pass it up."

Prescott was referencing how his 2024 season prematurely came to an end when he went down with a serious hamstring injury in Week 9. Back in October 2020, he suffered a gruesome compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. 

As for the Cowboys, their slim chances of making the playoffs will completely disappear if the Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) claim the NFC East division title by defeating the lowly Washington Commanders (4-10) on Saturday. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Philadelphia as a seven-point road favorite for that contest. 

Why Dak Prescott wants to play in what may be meaningless games for Cowboys

Prescott acknowledged that likely missing out on the postseason tournament "stings, for sure." He also explained why he won't view Dallas' final games as meaningless even if the Cowboys are eliminated. 

"It's all momentum," Prescott said about playing to win through Week 18. "At the end of the day, you've got guys that are coming back. Obviously, there's a lot of changes that have to happen or whatever it is with the roster. Some things have to be addressed, I guess you could say. But you know a good bit of these guys will be back, so it's about finishing with a good taste in your mouth and something to look forward to into next year."

Before Prescott and Co. think too much about next year, they'll first root for Washington to pull off the upset at Northwest Stadium on Saturday.