NFL News & Analysis

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to receive second MRI, still plans to face Buccaneers in Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys got out ahead of any potential panic Wednesday by announcing on their website that quarterback Dak Prescott is scheduled to undergo another MRI on his right shoulder strain.

That news comes days after Prescott started throwing again at Cowboys training camp. The team insists Prescott did not suffer a setback to the injury and that the updated imaging is to “check out his right shoulder strain.” Prescott plans to play Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys signal-caller is currently QB5 on PFF's consensus fantasy football rankings. His 330.0 projected fantasy points ranks eighth among quarterbacks.

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Up-to-date Injury Analysis

Reason to worry: PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato suggested the team could potentially be looking for further damage if Prescott is still exhibiting pain in his throwing shoulder.

Reason not to worry: The team has listed Prescott as week-to-week and expects him to be ready for Week 1.  The most likely cause for the MRI, per Pilato, is that the team just wants to see how the injury is progressing.


BETTING IMPACT

Play the under: Dallas has already seen a half-game correction after the news. Things will turn disastrous if Prescott is sidelined for any length of time — the only play is on the under in case the bottom falls out on the Cowboys' season. Click here for PFF's Win Totals Tracker…

Take the under on 32.5 passing TDs: Even without missing time, Prescott is going to have a difficult time throwing over 32.5 passing touchdowns. Click here for PFF's Fantasy Projections…


FANTASY FOOTBALL IMPACT

Still a top-five fantasy QB: Prescott should still be drafted as a top-five fantasy quarterback. He was the top fantasy quarterback last season when healthy, and he has the talent around him to do the same this year. Click here for PFF's Fantasy QB Rankings and Tiers…

Draft Ryan Fitzpatrick as a backup: The Washington Football Team quarterback could be a good backup to target. He has three straight above-average matchups to start the season, according to PFF's strength of schedule tool. Click here for PFF's schedule strength tool…


NFL IMPACT

Prescott was on pace for career year in 2020: Prescott's 85.2 PFF grade ranked seventh among all quarterbacks through the first five weeks of last season. It would have been the highest of his career. Click here for PFF Premium Stats…

Cowboys need him back: The Dallas offense fell apart without Prescott last season. The side averaged 6.5 yards per play in his five starts to open the year (second league-wide) and 4.7 yards per play in their final 11 games (32nd). Click here for PFF's 2021 QB Annual…


 

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