Dak Prescott Leads Dallas Cowboys into Week 3 as NFC East Rivals Battle Early Injuries
The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 3 of the NFL season with a 1-1 record as early divisional injuries reshape the NFC East. Dak Prescott cemented his place in franchise history during the team’s bounce-back win over the Washington Commanders, throwing four touchdown passes to surpass Tony Romo as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 249.
As the autumn schedule unfolds, a promotional campaign from the league has drawn attention across the division. The NFL featured specific quarterbacks on its primary promotional materials heading toward the Vince Lombardi Trophy. After Drake Maye and Sam Darnold appeared on the 2025 campaign before reaching the Super Bowl, the league placed Prescott and Trevor Lawrence at the center of the 2026 promotional imagery.
NFC East Rivals Face Mounting Roster Pressure
While Dallas looks to build momentum following its victory against Washington, the rest of the NFC East deals with significant health concerns on the injury report. The most severe blow struck the Commanders on September 20, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocation in his left elbow during the game against the Cowboys. Initial X-rays revealed no fractures, but Daniels remains sidelined and missed the subsequent matchup against Seattle.
The New York Giants face an even steeper climb after losing Jaxson Dart for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury sustained against the Rams. Andrew Thomas and Brian Burns also appear on the injury report, though Malik Nabers returned to full practice participation following a shoulder issue.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles placed Landon Dickerson on injured reserve. Saquon Barkley sustained a shoulder blow against Tennessee before returning after halftime, while Dallas Goedert spent time listed as questionable during the same contest.
Prescott Passes Romo Benchmark as Cowboys Face Season
The early-season standings leave the Cowboys positioned to capitalize on their rivals' setbacks, though the squad must play 15 remaining regular-season games before any postseason projections hold weight. Prescott’s historic performance against Washington provided an immediate offensive spark, pushing the signal-caller past Romo’s franchise benchmark.
Across the league, Trevor Lawrence guides a Jacksonville Jaguars roster entering the campaign with elevated expectations, mirroring the dual-quarterback spotlight shared with Prescott in the league’s promotional materials. With the division standings fluid and key players sidelined across multiple rosters, the coming weeks will determine whether the early promotional foreshadowing bears any resemblance to the final standings in February.
Prescott Breaks Record While Daniels Suffers Elbow Injury
When did Dak Prescott break the Dallas Cowboys passing touchdown record?
Prescott surpassed Tony Romo’s franchise record by throwing four scoring passes against the Washington Commanders, bringing his career total with Dallas to 249.
What is the extent of Jayden Daniels’ injury?
The Washington Commanders quarterback suffered a dislocation in his left elbow during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 20, 2026. While initial X-rays showed no fractures, the injury kept him out of the subsequent game against Seattle.
Which Giants player was ruled out for the entire NFL season?
Jaxson Dart will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury during the game against the Rams.
How did the NFL promotional campaign perform last season?
Ahead of the 2025 season, the league featured Drake Maye and Sam Darnold on its promotional materials, and both quarterbacks ultimately reached the Super Bowl.
