FRISCO -- Dak Prescott was poised to play in the Cowboys' final preseason game, then fade into the background.
That went out the window the moment Tony Romo went down.
"I had anticipated him playing [Thursday] and then not seeing him again until next preseason,'' owner Jerry Jones said of the rookie quarterback. "There was a little bit in me that says I don't like that.
"That was the fan in me. That is the feeling you have about the future longer term, which in no way compromises my thoughts about Tony's future.''
The question now is a different one: Since Prescott will open the regular season as the starter against the New York Giants, does he still play in Thursday's game against Houston? He could use the work. But can the team risk exposing him to injury?
"I haven't had one breathing person be able to ask anything other than what you just asked,'' Jones said. "What would you do?''
It would be nice to get Prescott more work, but Jones quickly added, "It's getting close to D-Day.''
The owner said the starting offensive line isn't slated to play against the Texans. If you decide to play Prescott, do you insert the starting offensive line as well? What if one of those players gets hurt in that game?
Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott said Monday, "I don't believe I'm playing in the Texans game.'' That's a strong indication the Cowboys don't intend to play Prescott either.
Asked if he would alter his initial plan on how to approach the preseason finale, head coach Jason Garrett said those discussions haven't taken place.
Why would he play Prescott on Thursday?
"Again, we'll get into who is playing and how much they are playing here in the next couple of days,'' Garrett said. "We'll let you guys know as soon as we make those determinations.''
The Texans game was set to be Prescott's farewell to the 2016 season when the month got underway.
Now, it's a game to avoid to ensure his health for the opener.
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Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN
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