Dallas Cowboys fans collectively held their breath this week after photos surfaced of QB Dak Prescott sporting a walking boot on his right ankle. Turns out, it’s a “minor foot sprain,” as revealed by sports writer Ian Rappoport. But hey, this ankle’s seen worse, right?

Let’s go back to Oct. 11, 2020. The Cowboys were up against the Giants in a make-or-break Week 5 showdown. Prescott was on a tear, throwing for over 400 yards in three consecutive games. But just when things were heating up, disaster struck. As D-Prescott scrambled for a first down late in the third quarter, the Giants’ defensive back Logan Ryan brought him down hard. The result? A compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, knocking him out for the rest of the season.

The injury’s impact was huge, no doubt about it. Even though they snagged the win that day, the Cowboys struggled without Prescott, wrapping up the season with a disappointing 6-10 record. Dallas’ QB went through two surgeries and a tough rehab to get back in the game. 

Reflecting on the aftermath, Ryan recalled how “it was quiet” and that they “both knew something was wrong, but it didn’t hit right away.” Ryan, who’d also broken a leg before, offered Prescott words of support and even sent him a book on resilience, inspired by Kobe Bryant.

In 2021, Prescott came back stronger, leading the Cowboys through a solid season. He credits the 2020 injury with shaping him into a better player and person. The scars on his ankle are a constant reminder of the challenges he’s overcome.

Looking forward, while the current walking boot situation is worth keeping an eye on, Prescott’s resilience is undeniable! The 2020 setback’s almost a distant memory for him. As the new season kicks off this September, let’s hope Prescott’s contract talks keep moving forward too.  

Will Dak Prescott’s walking boot stall his contract talks?

Cowboys’ QB Prescott’s recent sprained ankle might have y’all on edge, but it’s unlikely to throw off his contract extension plans. Back in 2020, he played through a serious ankle injury while on the franchise tag, and that didn’t stop him from scoring a massive $160M deal the following year.

Here’s the deal: A minor sprain isn’t likely to spook the Cowboys. However, it could be a factor in the size of the contract they’re willing to offer. Prescott’s health might be why Dallas is hesitant to break the bank with a record-setting deal—whispers were he could become the first $60 million-a-year QB.

The Cowboys are looking at fewer projected wins this season (down to 10 from last year’s 12 and division title), and it’s not just because of Prescott’s injury. Key players like Tony Pollard and Tyron Smith have left in free agency.

On the salary cap front, Dallas is feeling the squeeze right now, but they could definitely free up some cash. If they restructure Prescott’s current deal, they might save up to $18 million. Alternatively, if they wanna provide a new contract with back loaded payments, it can create more financial breathing room, though it might limit flexibility down the road.

Even if Prescott were to depart in 2025, those “voidable years” in his contract mean he’ll still have an impact on the team’s cap space. The bottom line? Prescott’s ankle sprain probably won’t throw a wrench into contract talks, but it could sway the final price tag.

Dallas fans stay tuned—negotiations are heating up as we near the 2024 NFL season kickoff!