After watching the first episode, Stephen A. Smith believes that the Cowboys do not deserve to be featured on "Hard Knocks". (2:08)."Hell no!" Stephen A. believes that the Cowboys are not worthy to be on "Hard Knocks" (2:08).OXNARD (Calif.) Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback, was the subject of HBO's first episode of 2021 season of "Hard Knocks." He had just returned from an injury last season, and signed a $160 million four-year contract in March.The camera was focused from the beginning of the episode on Prescott’s scar on his right ankle, which had been surgically repaired. Prescott's 2020 season came to an abrupt halt in Week 5, when he sustained a dislocation of his right ankle and a compound fracture of the foot during Cowboys' match against New York Giants.Prescott stated, "I love scars." "I have plenty of them."Prescott's right transverse latissimus strain is not a scar, but behind-the scenes moments show the Cowboys' concern for Prescott and their focus on him getting ready for the season.Prescott threw one throw and then said "Son of a Biscuit" to Jim Maurer. He almost immediately diagnosed it with a latissimus strain. Prescott was happy to stay for the rest of practice, but he wanted to be there to support his teammates. Coach Mike McCarthy advised him to get treatment.Maurer stated that Prescott wouldn't throw for "several" days and doesn't expect it to be a long-term endeavor.Prescott was able to throw off to the side (roughly thirty passes) on Tuesday as he worked with Amari Cooper, his wide receiver. This is the highest he's thrown since he pulled himself out of work because he felt the injury getting worsen. In order to manage Prescott's injury, the Cowboys met with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers."They see it every day," Maurer said about the advice given by the baseball teams to Prescott regarding his injury. This is more common for pitchers than for quarterbacks.Prescott was unhappy about the lack of work during the first few days at Oxnard training camp, California, before he succumbed to the strain. As you can see, McCarthy tried to limit his repetitions. But Prescott wanted in on all the action."I'm not coming to this b ----," Prescott said. "I sat last yr enough."In the premiere episode, Ezekiel Elliott was slimmer and Micah Parsons, the 2021 first-round draft selection, was also featured. Although there wasn't mention of COVID-19 or any other protocols, there were plenty of football moments interwoven with some lighter moments such as:Jim Fassel, Special Teams Coordinator, spoke about vasectomies.Elliott learned how to wrap a birthday gift for Prescott thanks to an online tutorial.Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle, sneezes.McCarthy introduced "Mojo Moments" to practice. Complete with Austin Powers references.After Prescott was smashed with a birthday cake by Elliott and La'el Collins, offensive tackle Isaac Alarcon said again: "I want to eat that cake."McCarthy reminded players why they're on the field in a humorous football moment.McCarthy stated, "This is all about winning." It's about winning the world championship. Period. Period. That's what matters most. Not making it to the playoffs does not make it worthwhile. Not enough to have a winning season. Not enough to make it to the championship.
