Injury Details and Immediate Medical Response
Dak Prescott suffered a compound fracture of the right ankle during the Week 12 game against the New York Giants on November 25, 2024, after a tackle by linebacker Bobby Okereke. The injury was confirmed by Cowboys medical staff on the field, and Prescott was transported to a Dallas hospital for immediate surgery. The procedure, performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Adams, involved internal fixation with plates and screws to stabilize the fracture. The Cowboys reported no nerve or vascular damage, but the injury ruled Prescott out for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. For more on the initial injury report, see the official team statement from the Dallas Cowboys front office here.
The injury occurred in the second quarter after Prescott was tackled low near the sideline. He was carted off the field and did not return. The MRI and subsequent CT scan confirmed a broken tibia and fibula in the right leg. The compound nature of the fracture, where the bone pierced the skin, increased the risk of infection and complicated the surgical approach. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated the injury was a non-contact incident caused by a low tackle. The team's medical team followed NFL protocols for open fractures, including antibiotics and immediate stabilization. The surgery lasted approximately three hours, and Prescott was listed in stable condition post-operation.
Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation Plan
The initial recovery timeline for a compound ankle fracture of this severity typically spans 8 to 12 months for return to full NFL play. Prescott's rehabilitation began immediately in the hospital with pain management, swelling control, and non-weight-bearing protocols. The Cowboys' medical staff outlined a phased approach starting with passive range-of-motion exercises, progressing to weight-bearing in a protective boot, and eventually to strength and agility work. The target for a return to full practice is expected in the spring of 2025, with a potential Week 1 2025 availability depending on progress. For more on NFL injury recovery benchmarks, see the latest data from the NFL Players Association here.
Rehabilitation will be overseen by the Cowboys' sports medicine team and external specialists. Key milestones include bone healing confirmed by imaging, restoration of ankle stability, and regaining the explosive leg strength needed for a quarterback. Prescott has previously recovered from a high ankle sprain in 2020, which provides a baseline for his rehab mindset. The team has not released a specific week-by-week schedule, but the standard NFL protocol for open fractures involves a minimum of 4 to 6 months before controlled contact. The Cowboys have also listed Prescott on the injured reserve, which frees up a roster spot and triggers his injury guarantee in his contract.
Contract and Roster Impact for the Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott's contract with the Cowboys includes a fully guaranteed injury protection clause that secures his 2024 base salary of $40 million, plus a $31 million roster bonus prorated over the season. The injury does not trigger a voidable year, and his cap hit for 2024 remains approximately $49 million. The Cowboys' salary cap space is already limited, so Prescott's continued presence on the roster, even on injured reserve, impacts their flexibility for the 2025 offseason. For more on NFL contract guarantees and cap rules, see the latest analysis from Over the Cap here.
The Cowboys have promoted backup quarterback Cooper Rush to the starter role for the remainder of the 2024 season. Rush, who has started