ARLINGTON, TEXAS — A nightmare unfolded for the Dallas Cowboys’ against the New York Giants in week five. Quarterback Dak Prescott was carted off the field in the third quarter after suffering what appeared to be a broken or dislocated right ankle.
The team announced that Prescott will undergo ankle surgery on Sunday evening after enduring a compound fracture as well as a dislocation.
In an effort to convert on third down, Prescott took off toward the end zone on a nine-yard run. He fell awkwardly when tackled by a defender into the Giants’ red zone. Immediately, the watching world as well as Prescott knew the injury was serious. His right foot was pointed in the wrong direction.
The emotional quarterback was attended to by the medical staff and was immediately surrounded by teammates and coaches, including former head coach Jason Garrett who joined Mike McCarthy to encourage Prescott. No.4 raised a fist in acknowledgment of the ovation from the crowd at AT&T Stadium as he was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital. Players and fans raised four fingers in honor of the fifth-year QB.
“ It’s going to take all of us to fill that void we will be missing from four, “ Ezekiel Elliott told media following the win against the Giants. “ Just gotta go out there and play for him.”
Prescott was off to a historic start in 2020, setting an NFL record with three consecutive games with 450 passing yards. He has accumulated 1,690 yards, the most by any quarterback through the first four games of a season in NFL history. He was replaced by backup QB Andy Dalton, who led the team on a game-winning drive that ended in Greg Zuerlein’s field goal as time expired.
Prescott’s brother, Tad, tweeted a picture from the hospital alongside Dak and wrote: “ He’ll be back stronger than ever. “
Many of Dak’s teammates echoed the same message following the game. DeMarcus Lawrence was asked about his confidence in Prescott returning to peak form post-surgery and he emphatically said, “ Just being around him and understanding he is going to give you his all.”
Prescott has dealt with more tragedy in recent years than most people could fathom. From the loss of his mother to cancer while playing college ball at Mississippi State to his brother’s suicide in April, Dak continues to smile and uplift others. He has used his platform in recent months to raise awareness and speak out on the importance of mental health and the reality of depression. Now, he faces yet another trial but he will take it on the way he has the others- relying on his faith in God and the support of his teammates and family.
“ In my short time working with him he’s made such an impression on me, and he’s clearly the leader of our football team, “ Mike McCarthy remarked on Dak during his postgame press conference. “ I have no doubt that he will bounce back from this and this will be all part of his great story.”
Prayers to Dak Prescott for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery.
