FRISCO, Texas – Dak Prescott is the best example on the Cowboys' roster, maybe in the entire NFL, of the 'next man up' mentality.
Prescott's story is local and national legend by now. Last year as a rookie, he went from third-string quarterback to starter to Pro Bowler in the span of four months.
Prescott's backfield teammate, fellow Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, is appealing his current six-game suspension. If indeed he's unavailable for the foreseeable future, the Cowboys look set to lean on a committee comprising Alfred Morris, Rod Smith and Darren McFadden.
Similar to Prescott's approach last year, the backup backs are ready to step if needed.
"That's this team," Prescott said. "It shows the character of this team. If one person goes down, somebody else steps up. There's no blinking, no questions asked, nobody even worries about it. The next person comes in, does his job, and we continue to move on."
Prescott has consistently shown support for Elliott as his suspension case has moved through the court system. Monday, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied a preliminary injunction that would continue to block his suspension.
"It is what is. It happened," Prescott said. "I know he's looking forward and he's moving forward. He's put all that behind him and he's going to do the best he can to have his body and his mind ready to go when he returns."
Asked how the offense changes without Elliott on the field, Prescott said, "I don't think it does."
"I think this team was built on the run game before me or Zeke even got here, for the most part. We've got those running backs. Darren McFadden had a great year before Zeke was even and we know what Alfred Morris can do. So, I don't think it changes. It's how this team is built."
