The Suspense on Dak Prescott’s Availablity Will Bleed into Sunday

Dustin Baker |

Oct 30, 2021

Dak Prescott

The will-he-or-won’t-he on Dak Prescott’s prospect to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday intensified throughout the week — and has reached a gametime decision status, per ESPN’s Ed Werner.

While Dak Prescott said he anticipated a decision following today’s “launch” practice as to whether he or Cooper Rush starts, a source tells me that is now expected to be delayed to a game-time decision.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) October 30, 2021

The theory was the Cowboys would determine Saturday if Prescott was a full-go, but now that’s pushed back to the cusp of kickoff.

Almost two weeks ago, Dak Prescott injured his calf late in a thrilling victory over the New England Patriots.

At the time, bliss surrounded the win, and Dallas had a bye week on the docket – so any anxiety about Prescott’s long-term availability was muted. Even during the last week, signals out of Dallas indicated Prescott would be upright and ready to play against the Vikings in Week 8. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed believable optimism that Prescott would be a go.

Prescott v Vikings — Nov 10, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4). Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Prescott, too, led on that he would be in the saddle for Halloween Sunday Night Football. But now that’s a humongous maybe.

In potential relief of the Cowboys signal-caller, the inexperienced Cooper Rush would get the nod. Rush has attempted three passes in the NFL — four years ago. He assuredly is not a rookie but lacks on-the-field credibility in regular-season moments. And U.S Bank Stadium is not a favorable location for a quarterback’s first start.

Let's see if they can keep this streak alive on Halloween.

With fans in attendance, the Vikings are undefeated at U.S. Bank Stadium when they score 21 or more points.

22-0 when hitting the 21-point mark with fans in the joint.
— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) October 30, 2021

With Prescott, the Cowboys are an offensive juggernaut. Dallas leads the NFL in scoring, accompanied by the league’s 10-best defense per DVOA. For the Vikings, Mike Zimmer’s team ranks 14th in points scored while the defensive is sixth-best per DVOA. Something’s gotta give.

The point spread swung violently, as well, for Vikings-Cowboys. Out of the gate, Dallas was favored by 2.5-points. When news dribbled out that Prescott was questionable, the betting line flipped. Minnesota is now favored to win by 2.5 points.

All in all, the resolution won’t come Saturday for Prescott. Fantasy football players, the Vikings, Cowboys, and fans on the whole will have to wait until late Sunday for a final announcement on Prescott’s status.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

Also Read: Unlikely Ally Defends Kirk Cousins