Dak Prescott’s continued absence from training camp practices is sending the wrong message ahead of the 2021 season.
With Dak Prescott looking to enjoy a comeback year in 2021, the Dallas Cowboys will have wanted to see him stack a string of positive training camp practices together ahead of the season.
Instead, their franchise quarterback is trending in the other direction, missing practice again on Saturday as the Cowboys held their joint scrimmage with the Los Angeles Rams due to tightness in his throwing shoulder.
The injury keeping him off the field in camp is unrelated to the ankle issue that ended his 2020 season in Week 5. However, Prescott’s continued absence has to be of concern for a Cowboys team hoping to contend this year after injuries and abysmal defense kept them largely uncompetitive in the last campaign.
Prescott, in his own words, said Dallas “being cautious” with his shoulder concern, per DallasCowboys.com.
No Cooper Rush today at practice. Dak Prescott isn’t throwing today. Cowboys down to 2 QBs.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 7, 2021
Yet time is of the essence for the Cowboys and their quarterback in terms of getting the reps they need to mount an NFC East challenge this year.
Though he is familiar with those around him, Prescott is being robbed of the opportunity to rebuild the rapport with his offense and ensure he and his teammates are ready to live up to the high expectations around the Cowboys.
The best way for a quarterback to build an understanding with those who he will rely on during the regular season is through frequent practice with the first-team offense.
With each day that goes by, Prescott loses another chance to make sure the offense is on the same page.
For all the positive noises coming out of Dallas suggesting there is no reason to worry about Prescott, Cowboys fans will grow increasingly concerned if he remains in the role of spectator in the coming days.