Michael Ainsworth/Associated PressAccording to Mike McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys will be more conservative with quarterback Dak Prescott's rehab from a shoulder injury as they get closer to preseason play."We are being more conservative about his timetable. ... We have taken a step back. McCarthy said Tuesday that the injury is still a concern for McCarthy.He said, "After looking at and researching, we don't want it to become something major." ... We are being more conservative in our rehab.Prescott was injured and left practice on Wednesday. An MRI showed that he had a muscle strain.He said that he is not worried about the injury and noted that he would still practice and participate in games if the injury had occurred during the regular season.However, the Cowboys are cautious.An ankle injury in October ended Prescott's season and he was limited to five games in 2020. Since the Cowboys drafted him in 2016, Prescott has been a top NFL signal-caller, and he was awarded two Pro Bowl selections.The 28-year old Mississippi State product made 69 consecutive starts to his professional career, his first four seasons in the pro leagues without any injuries.Prescott is unlikely to be present when Dallas opens its preseason schedule against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Garrett Gilbert should be the Cowboys' first choice to lead their star-studded offense. Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci are the other reserve quarterbacks.After Andy Dalton's departure, Dallas took a calculated gamble and did not sign a backup quarterback. If Prescott is unable to play for a prolonged period of time or the backups fail, the front office might look to the market for an upgrade in the most crucial position in the sport.
