Sunday's NFL slate was a bruising one for two of the league's brightest stars. Both Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson — each among the best at their position — walked away from their respective games with visible injuries, sparking concern for their teams heading into Week 5.
Prescott's Hand Raises Questions
Dak Prescott engineered a dramatic comeback for the Dallas Cowboys, leading a game-winning drive against the Houston Texans with under a minute left. But the celebration was tempered when cameras caught Prescott with his right hand wrapped after the game. The sight of the quarterback's bandaged hand was enough to raise eyebrows, though early indications suggest it's not serious.
Calvin Watkins noted on social media, "Dak Prescott has his right hand wrapped. It seems fine. But it’s noticeable." The wrap is likely just precautionary, perhaps to reduce swelling from a cut or minor injury sustained earlier in the contest. Still, it's something to keep an eye on, especially with the Cowboys facing a short week.
Jackson's Ankle Scare
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson, who faced Prescott in Week 3, exited Sunday's game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a walking boot. That visual alone would make any Ravens fan nervous, but the early prognosis is more reassuring. Ian Rapoport reported on X, "Lamar Jackson is believed to be day-to-day with his ankle injury, one that will be monitored and treated this coming week."
The injury didn't appear to be severe, and Jackson is expected to avoid a long-term absence. Still, with the Ravens' high-octane offense relying heavily on Jackson's mobility, any ankle issue is a concern. The team will likely take a cautious approach in practice this week.
A Season of Quarterback Woes
This season has been brutal on quarterbacks across the league, with several signal-callers already sidelined. The Giants lost star Jaxson Dart for the year, a devastating blow. Fortunately, both Prescott and Jackson seem to have dodged that kind of fate, but their statuses will be monitored closely.
For the Cowboys, the timing is less than ideal. They have a quick turnaround, facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. E.T. on Amazon Prime. Prescott's hand will be a talking point leading up to that divisional clash, though he's expected to play.
As for Jackson, the Ravens have a few extra days to assess his ankle. While the day-to-day label is encouraging, it's a situation that could change quickly. Fans will be watching practice reports closely, and any setback could alter the team's game plan.
Both players are tough, proven competitors. Prescott has played through injuries before, and Jackson has shown resilience throughout his career. Still, the NFL is a physical game, and even minor ailments can linger. The next few days will be crucial in determining how ready they are for their Week 5 matchups.
For now, both teams can breathe a sigh of relief that the injuries appear minor. But as any coach will tell you, "banged up" is a far cry from "healthy." The coming week will be a test of depth and resilience for both the Cowboys and the Ravens.
