Posted on Jul 09
Dak Prescott clarifies ankle concerns, assures fans it's "absolutely nothing".
u/alex •
SEATTLE, WA -- The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the start of their training camp, but uncertainty looms over the team as quarterback Dak Prescott's ankle injury resurfaces. As the team and Prescott engage in contract negotiations, concerns over his health and the status of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract situation add further complexity to the Cowboys' preparations.
Prescott, who suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in 2020, clarified that the walking boot he wore was purely precautionary. Addressing concerns about his ankle, Prescott stated, "Honestly, I'm getting older. It's the same ankle that I snapped, and I had a nasty surgery on four years ago, so a couple of hard days of training and you know, you get a little sore and you're going on a fishing trip, and you want to protect it and make sure things don't get worse."
Despite assuring fans that there is nothing wrong with his ankle, Prescott's prior injury history raises questions about his long-term durability. The quarterback's ankle surgery in 2020 was a significant setback, and any lingering issues could impact his performance on the field.
As Prescott enters the final year of his contract, the Cowboys and his agent have been engaged in contract negotiations. With the quarterback set to earn $29 million for the 2024 season, both parties aim to secure a long-term deal that satisfies Prescott's value to the team while providing financial stability for the player.
The ongoing negotiations have added an additional layer of uncertainty to the Cowboys' offseason preparations. The team's first training camp practice is rapidly approaching on July 25, and the unresolved contract situation with their franchise quarterback creates an air of uncertainty around the team's future.
In addition to Prescott's contract negotiations, the Cowboys are also negotiating a contract with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The talented receiver opted to skip the offseason program and minicamp due to his unresolved contract situation. As one of the team's key offensive weapons, Lamb's absence during crucial offseason activities raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
The Cowboys undoubtedly value Lamb's contributions and are working towards reaching a resolution that satisfies both parties. However, the timing of these negotiations adds additional pressure as the start of training camp draws near.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Prescott's ankle and the ongoing contract negotiations with both him and Lamb, the Cowboys remain focused on the upcoming training camp. Prescott expressed his commitment to the team, stating, "Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team and doing everything I can within the organization and on the football field to make sure I'm my best and everyone around me is their best, and all that will take care of itself like it always has."
Cowboys fans eagerly await the start of training camp, hoping that the team can overcome these challenges and build a solid foundation for the upcoming season. The resolution of Prescott's contract negotiations and the successful resolution of any lingering ankle concerns will be critical factors in the team's success moving forward.
As the Cowboys prepare to hit the practice field, the collective focus will be on harnessing their potential and establishing a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. Only time will tell how these uncertainties will affect the team's performance, but one thing remains certain: the road ahead for the Dallas Cowboys is paved with challenges that must be overcome to achieve success.