Cowboys 'optimistic' Dak Prescott will be able to play after upcoming bye week

Dak Prescott might not have to miss a play after an on-field calf injury on Sunday.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback's injury has been diagnosed as a right calf strain, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Monday. Prescott will reportedly rest for the week, a fortunately timed bye week for Dallas, and the team is "optimistic" that he will be available for the team's next game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Prescott sustained the injury on the final play of the Cowboys' overtime win, hitting wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a 35-yard touchdown pass against the New England Patriots. Throwing off his back foot, Prescott could be seen landing awkwardly as he came down to the ground.

Prescott insisted to reporters that he was fine after the game, but the walking boot he was wearing on his right foot at the time implied otherwise. An MRI was scheduled for the next day, revealing the calf strain.

The injury is reportedly similar to the one sustained by Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup, who has been on injured reserve since Week 1 with a calf strain. Even though Gallup's injury has kept him out for weeks, the difference in requirements for his position versus Prescott's could explain why the quarterback may only have to miss a week.

McCarthy also implied Monday that Gallup is nearing a return.

Obviously, the Cowboys will be happy if Prescott ends up not having to miss a game. The sixth-year quarterback has been spectacular in his return from a brutal ankle injury, with 1,813 passing yards, a 73.1 completion percentage, 8.4 yards per attempt and 16 passing touchdowns against only four interceptions through six games.