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The Dallas Cowboys will once again hit the practice field on Wednesday, just over three weeks away from their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This Saturday is the latest opportunity for us to see them in the preseason and it will undoubtedly be the most important exhibition game.
We are in the middle of the first preseason period that is only three games (with a bye week at the end of it before the regular season) so it has been interesting to see how different teams have handled it so far. Historically speaking the third preseason game was always the “dress rehearsal” for most squads and with the Cowboys playing in four games this year due to the Hall of Fame Game, the opportunity has presented itself for them to approach it that way.
For this reason the Houston Texans game on Saturday is the biggest opportunity to see Dallas in as-close-to full capacity as we will before Week 1 at Tampa. While this game is certainly a bit more important than others, it appears as if one important player might not be playing.
Mike McCarthy: There’s “a good chance” Dak Prescott won’t play in the preseason
Prior to Monday night’s “Cowboys Night” practice head coach Mike McCarthy noted that if Dak Prescott does not play this week against Houston that he would not play at all in the preseason (meaning he wouldn’t play next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars).
Dak was a limited participant during Monday’s practice and will be again on Wednesday. McCarthy noted on Wednesday that there is “a good chance” that Prescott will not play in the preseason meaning that he will likely not play on Saturday against Houston.
Mike McCarthy on Dak Prescott’s status Saturday vs. Houston: “There’s a good chance he won’t play.” Prescott will continue to be limited today as he ramps up his throwing.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 18, 2021
This is not overly-surprising as the Cowboys have been cautious with Dak all along. Given the events of last season - not to mention their huge financial investment over the offseason - it makes sense for them to exercise caution here.
Dak is entering his sixth season in the NFL and is hardly at a point in his career where he “needs” preseason work. Obviously it would be nice to see him play in the preseason, but the games that count are the ones that matter.