Prescott shines during his first training session

The Dallas Cowboys breathed easier today in their hopes that Dak Prescott can open as their starting quarterback for the season opener Sept. 9 at Tampa.

Prescott completed 11 of 12 passes he threw in the 11-on-11 period of the Cowboys’ practice Wednesday, the final week of preseason camp.

The one pass he did not complete was blocked by safety Jayron Karzee in good coverage.

It was his first competitive activity in practice since he started feeling the shoulder pull, which had him out since July 28, including preseason games.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott said he had looked good throughout practice Prescott, whose longest pass this day was 30 yards.

In all, Prescott participated in four series from scrimmage and 18 plays during the practice that was again held outdoors in temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. He also showed no signs of discomfort in the ankle he injured last season.

Prescott is ruled out for the final exhibition game, which they will play this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who reported that their first quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, just announced as the starter, will not be on the field either….

Cooper Rush will be the opening quarterback for the game against Jacksonville, after Garrett Gilbert for the previous three games.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy reiterated that they are only treating Prescott’s case with an abundance of caution and that he will be ready to face the Buccaneers.

PANDEMIC ADDS AT THE STAR

Covid Pandemic continues to add to the Cowboys’ roster. Starting guards Connor Williams and Damontae Kazee were placed on injured reserve by Covid on Wednesday.

The list of infected players also includes wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and safety Malik Hooker, as well as defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

The good news for the team was that safety Israel Mukuamu has been placed on injured reserve by Covid and has returned to practice.

The Cowboys had only two safeties from the usual rotation in Tuesday and Thursday’s practice because starter Donovan Wilson suffered a groin pull.

All five players and coordinator Quinn are expected to be available for the first game of the season.

BRIEF

Starting corner Trevon Diggs missed practice Wednesday because of illness, though nothing related to Covid, coach Mike McCarthy said.

The Cowboys placed running back Rico Dowdle on the injured list for the year with a hip injury; his place on the roster was taken by Israel Mukuamu, who came off injured reserve for Covid.