It has been over 200 days since Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott played in a football game. The last game Prescott suited up for was the 2022 Playoffs in the Divisional Round.
He was on the sidelines with a headset last week for the team’s first preseason game of 2023 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Is this the week that Prescott will suit up and take the field?
Is Dak Prescott Playing in the Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks Preseason Game?
The short answer: No.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy still has not changed his stance on the starters playing in preseason games and likely won’t next week either. But just because Prescott isn’t taking the field, it doesn’t mean he isn’t still finding an opportunity to learn and grow from the sidelines.
Before the Cowboys departed from Oxnard, Calif., Prescott spoke about being on the sidelines during last week’s game and how it helped him see the tempo and pace that McCarthy is getting the team in.
Last week, the team sat 25 of their starters out of the preseason game against the Jaguars. The team will lean on quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Will Grier for Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Cooper was 10-of-12 for 83 yards; Grier was 22-of-31 for 199 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks
- TV Channel: CBS
- Radio: KRLD-FM, 105.3 The Fan
- Start Time: 9 p.m. CT
- Live Stream Options: CBS, NFL+
What To Expect From the Cowboys’ Offense
The Cowboys’ offense struggled last week to find a rhythm and gain momentum throughout the game. This week, all eyes are on pass protection and how Dallas’ offensive line can hold up during a game. Not because this is the starting line that will protect Prescott during the regular season but because of the depth within the room.
Regarding the backup running back position, it has yet to be determined who will fill that spot on the roster.
However, rookie Deuce Vaughn had a fantastic first game with eight carries for 50 yards and one touchdown. Rico Dowdle had six carries for 21 yards. Dowdle must ensure ball security is a top priority since he had a fumble on the 1-yard line last week.
Fullback is another position group that has gotten more of a spotlight. Both Hunter Luepke and Sean McKeon are competing for a more significant role in the offense. The competition for this room continues to be one of the most intriguing this preseason.
As for the wide receiver room, the competition is wide open. Jalen Tolbert has had one of the best training camps among the team and impressed during last week’s game. Tolbert got two receptions for 29 yards and one touchdown. But he was able to show off the amount of work he has put in to grow into a confident football player.
Don’t count out Simi Fehoko, Jalen Brooks, or Dennis Houston from this competition just yet. All of these players have had glimmers of greatness at camp and can still make the final roster if they break through in Saturday’s game.
The wide receiver room isn’t the only one feeling the heat from younger players. Although the tight end position group is among the youngest on the team, it has been one of the most exciting.
Jake Ferguson, who is ready to take the starting tight end role this season, played last week and had three receptions for 38 yards.
John Stephens Jr. had a phenomenal first game last week, having five receptions for 56 yards. Stephens has been a breakout star during camp, swapping from wide receiver and converting to the tight end position.
This means that the pressure is on for Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon during Saturday’s game if they were to get any snaps.