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FRISCO, Texas – They might not like it, but the Cowboys have entered the Big Picture Territory.
It’s understandable that executives, coaches and players prefer to focus on the present. There are still seven games to play, and the job description insists they bond and find ways to win them.
“We’re going to play every game and hope to improve every week,” Cowboys operations manager Stephen Jones said Monday. “If we can start to turn some of those performances into wins, we’ll come back to it.”
Outside of their building, however, the general public considers the facts – a 2-7 record, a decimated roster, and the obvious absence of their franchise quarterback. It’s just as understandable that fans and the media would prefer to have the big picture of the current situation.
There is no better example of this strange balance than Monday’s call with reporters, when Jones was asked a compelling question that is already the subject of debate.
As it stands, the Cowboys hold the third-worst NFL record. They appear to be heading for a high draft pick in a year that could see several high-caliber quarterback prospects – such as Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields – declare for the Draft. the NFL.
Given that their Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott is currently recovering from a traumatic ankle injury and is unlikely to be healthy until spring, it is natural to connect the dots.
If placed in this position, would the Cowboys consider drafting a new quarterback?
On this matter, Jones had a categorical answer.
“Dak is our quarterback. We’re so excited about him – he will lead us into the future,” he said.
It’s been almost a month since Prescott suffered a fractured and dislocated right ankle on Oct. 11 against the New York Giants. He underwent successful surgery that night and was part of the team early in his recovery for the past few weeks.
Immediately after the injury, the Cowboys said Prescott was considering a four to six month recovery period. From the sounds of it, it still is – and in fact, Prescott seems to be ahead of the curve.
“Yes, he managed to avoid any setbacks,” Jones said. “If anything, he’s ahead of schedule – which shouldn’t be surprising how well he goes after any challenge. It’s full speed ahead of Dak and he did a great job at it. Stadium.”
It goes without saying that Prescott’s future will be one of the most scrutinized scenarios of 2021. Along with his ongoing recovery and hopeful return to the field in the spring, there is also the question of its contractual situation.
Prescott suffered the injury while playing on the franchise tag, and NFL rules say he and the club cannot negotiate an overtime until this season. Jones said the front office hasn’t given much thought to this during the ups and downs of this season. But when the time comes, Prescott still needs a new contract – or another franchise label.
“We haven’t really had any conversations with Dak since his injury, other than talking about how he’s doing physically in terms of injury and rehabilitation,” he said. “We haven’t talked specifically about the future or anything to do with the contract yet.”
There is plenty of time for these conversations. The Cowboys are still only in the middle of their season. But whatever speculation is coming from outside, there seems to be a clear answer coming from inside.
“Definitely, we’re excited about our future with Dak,” Jones said.
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