Cowboys Place QB Dak Prescott on IR, Elevate DB Josh Butler

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have placed quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve with a right thumb injury and elevated defensive back Josh Butler from the practice squad.

Prescott’s Injury

Prescott suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

“It’s obviously a tough loss for our team,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said. “Dak is a great leader and a great player. We’re going to need everyone to step up in his absence.”

Butler’s Elevation

Butler, a rookie out of West Virginia, was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He has been impressive in the preseason and training camp.

“Josh has earned this opportunity,” McCarthy said. “He’s a talented young player with a lot of upside. We’re excited to see what he can do in the regular season.”

Cowboys’ Outlook

With Prescott out, the Cowboys will turn to Cooper Rush as their starting quarterback. Rush, 28, has started two games in his career, both in 2021.

The Cowboys play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. It remains to be seen how long Prescott will be out, but the Cowboys will need Rush to play well in his absence.