Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott underwent successful surgery to stabilize his fractured thumb on Monday and is looking at a potential return in Week 8 or Week 10, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Prescott's return could be Oct. 30 against the Chicago Bears or, after the bye week, Nov. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. He sustained the injury in Sunday night's 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the six to eight weeks Prescott will be missing, the Cowboys' options begin with backup quarterback Cooper Rush, but there's obviously potential elsewhere.
One enticing possibility that has gained steam is Dallas trading to acquire San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is currently backing up second-year QB Trey Lance. When asked Monday if Prescott's injury opened the door to trade Garoppolo, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said they were always willing to listen.
"We'll listen to anybody on anything," he said. "That never changes for any player."
Rapoport added Monday that the Cowboys' intention is to stay internal as it relates to quarterback and didn't see a Garoppolo trade happening as the Niners like having an insurance policy behind Lance.
Prescott's injury occurred when he hit his throwing hand on Shaquil Barrett's helmet late in the game. He quickly left the field for examination and did not return. Prior to his exit, he was 14 of 29 for 134 yards with an interception.
Prescott, 29, just began his seventh NFL season, all with the Cowboys.