Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Suffers Ankle Injury

Prescott's injury casts doubt on his availability for the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:35pm

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a significant ankle injury during the team's final game of the 2025 NFL season. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter and required immediate medical attention on the field. Prescott was carted off and later diagnosed with a high ankle sprain that could sideline him for several months.

Why it matters

Prescott's injury is a major blow to the Cowboys' hopes for the 2026 season. As the team's franchise quarterback, his health and availability are critical to the organization's success. The Cowboys struggled to a 7-9-1 record in 2025 and will need Prescott back at full strength if they hope to bounce back and return to the playoffs.

The details

Prescott was injured while scrambling near the end of the Cowboys' Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders. He was tackled awkwardly and immediately grabbed his ankle in pain. Medical staff rushed to stabilize the injury before Prescott was carefully lifted onto a cart and taken to the locker room. Further testing revealed a high ankle sprain, an injury that typically requires 2-4 months of recovery time.

  • Prescott was injured in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' Week 17 game on January 4, 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

The starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Prescott is a two-time Pro Bowler who has led the team since 2016.

Dallas Cowboys

The professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. They play in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference East division.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Dak for any period of time is a huge blow. He's the heart and soul of this team.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys will provide an update on Prescott's recovery timeline in the coming weeks, but he is expected to miss at least the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Prescott's injury is a major setback for the Cowboys as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The team's success hinges on the health of their star quarterback, and they will need to find a capable backup plan while he recovers.