Cowboys starters "unlikely to see usual workload"

The Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken believes the Cowboys' starters are "unlikely to see [their] usual workload" vs. the Eagles tonight. Dallas has little to play for with the NFC East already clinched. QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR CeeDee Lamb, WR Amari Cooper and TE Dalton Schultz are all risky fantasy plays.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (thumb) was out on the practice field Thursday "gripping and throwing a training ball," according to insider Michael Gehlken. Prescott isn't taking snaps or throwing yet, but he's clearly progressing well from surgery to repair his fractured right thumb. Prescott has not been placed on IR, and the Cowboys reportedly believe he could return for Week 4 or 5. We're skeptical but will continue to keep a close eye on his status.

The Cowboys now expect QB Dak Prescott to miss 4-6 weeks after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured thumb, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Earlier reports had Prescott's timeline at 6-8 weeks. The short end of this new timetable would have Prescott back for Week 6's game vs. the Eagles; the long end Week 8 vs. the Bears. Dallas does have a Week 9 bye, so it still wouldn't be a surprise to see Prescott held out until Week 10. We'll continue to monitor his rehab.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday morning that QB Dak Prescott isn't going on IR for his thumb injury because he believes the QB has a chance to return within the next 4 games. We'll assume this is based on more than just optimism or gut feeling for Jones. But we also wouldn't plan on using Prescott in fantasy football lineups anytime within that range.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had successful surgery Monday to "stabilize" his fractured right thumb. He's reportedly eyeing a return on either Oct. 30 vs. the Bears or Nov. 13 vs. the Packers. Dallas' bye falls in between those 2 games, which could factor into Prescott's return. We'll keep an eye on his status as the time draws nearer. For now, it's Cooper Rush taking over.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with his thumb injury, ESPN's Todd Archer reports. Prescott is meeting with a hand specialist on Monday, but the expectation is that he'll need a pin and plate inserted to stabilize his fractured joint. The short end of that 6-8 week timetable would have Prescott back for Week 8. But Dallas has a Week 9 bye, so Week 10 might be the most likely return date for Dak. His absence is obviously a big blow to all of the Cowboys' skill-position players. Prescott is cuttable in fantasy leagues without an IR spot.